Valley Meats LLC, an Illinois-based company, has issued a recall for approximately 6,800 pounds of uncooked beef patties and ground beef due to a potential contamination with a potentially deadly strain of E. coli. The affected meat, which came in box packages with the USDA inspection mark “EST. 5712,” was distributed to facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan before being shipped to restaurants and other institutional users.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a branch of the USDA, is concerned that some of the recalled products may still be in institutional or restaurant refrigerators or freezers. As a precautionary measure, the FSIS urges restaurants and institutions not to serve these products and advises them to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
Fortunately, no adverse reactions from consuming the affected ground beef and patties have been reported thus far. However, Valley Meats confirmed positive results for E. coli 0157:H7 in samples sent to a third-party lab, leading to the recall.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, E. coli 0157:H7 is the most common strain to cause illness in people. Symptoms of exposure to this bacteria may include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and, in some cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is most frequently observed in young children and older adults.
Johns Hopkins further reports that E. coli 0157:H7 leads to approximately 70,000 illnesses each year. Given the potentially severe consequences of consuming contaminated meat, it is crucial for individuals and establishments to heed the recall and take the necessary precautions.
In light of this situation, Valley Meats urges consumers who have purchased the recalled products to discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. The company is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its customers and is working closely with the FSIS to resolve the issue.
As always, it is recommended to thoroughly cook all ground beef and patties to an internal temperature of 160°F to eliminate any potential bacteria. Additionally, individuals should practice proper food safety measures, such as washing hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat, to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
For more information on the recall and to stay updated on any developments, consumers can visit the FSIS website or contact Valley Meats directly. Your health and safety are of utmost importance, so be sure to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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