Beef Possibly Tainted With E. coli Recalled In WA: USDA

SEATTLE — A Utah beef company is recalling nearly 100,000 pounds of raw, non-intact ground beef products distributed across five states, including Oregon, Washington, and California. The United States Department of Agriculture announced the recall on Saturday.

Swift Beef Co., based in Utah, reportedly believes 99,260 pounds of ground beef may be tainted with E. coli O157:H7, according to USDA Safety and Inspection officials, who reportedly discovered the possible contamination during a visit to the company's Hyrum-based facility Nov. 15. The bulk ground beef was produced Oct. 24, but so far no illnesses related to consumption of the potentially tainted meat have been reported.

The following products are being recalled:

• 2,000-pound bulk pallets of Swift Ground Beef 81/19 (81 percent lean) Fine Grind Combo, bearing product code 42982.
• 8 to 10-pound plastic wrapped chubs of "blue ribbon BEEF" Ground Beef 81/19 (81 percent lean) Coarse Grind, bearing product code 42410.
• 8 to 10-pound plastic wrapped chubs of "blue ribbon BEEF" Ground Beef 93/07 (93 percent lean) Coarse Grind, bearing product code 42413.
• 8 to 10-pound plastic wrapped chubs of "blue ribbon BEEF" Ground Beef 85/15 (85 percent lean) Coarse Grind, bearing product code 42415.
• 8 to 10-pound plastic wrapped chubs of "blue ribbon BEEF" Ground Beef 73/27 (73 percent lean) Coarse Grind, bearing product code 42510.

All products subject to the recall bear the "EST. 628" establishment code inside in the USDA mark of inspection.

Nevada and Utah are also affected.

According to the USDA, E. coli O157:H7 is a bacteria carrying potentially fatal risks. Exposure can lead to dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps for two to eight days. Additional symptoms include easy bruising, an unhealthy paleness, and decreased urine output, USDA officials said.

While symptoms could be felt by any age group, children five years and younger as well as older adults are reportedly most susceptible. Anyone who believes they are experiencing these symptoms due to exposure to the tainted beef should seek emergency medical attention.

Individual businesses where the meat was ostensibly delivered are listed at FSIS.USDA.gov/Recalls.

For more details on the recall, as well as how best to handle and prepare raw meat and avoid common food-related illnesses, visit FSIS.USDA.gov or call 800-727-2333.

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