WASHINGTON – Huntington Meat Packing Inc., a Montebello, Calif.
establishment, is recalling approximately 864,000 pounds of beef products that
may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The problem was discovered during a Food Safety Assessment (FSA) by FSIS
personnel. The FSA led to the determination that a further investigation of
establishment records was warranted. The investigation is ongoing and the
following products are subject to recall.
The following products, consisting of all ground beef products produced by the
plant from January 5, 2010 to January 15, 2010, are subject to recall:
- 40 lb. boxes of “Huntington Meats Ground Beef”
- 40 lb. boxes of “HUNTINGTON MEAT PKG. INC. BEEF GROUND FOR FURTHER
PROCESSING” - 40 lb. boxes of “BEEF BURRITO FILLING MIX”
- 10 lb. boxes of “IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY”
- 20 lb. boxes of “IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY”
- 10 lb. boxes of “El Rancho MEAT & PROVISION ALL BEEF PATTIES”
Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 17967” inside the USDA mark of
inspection on a label. The products were produced between January 5, 2010, and
January 15, 2010, and were shipped to distribution centers, restaurants, and
hotels within the State of California. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses
associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an
illness should contact a physician.
During a subsequent review of the establishment’s records, FSIS also determined
additional products produced and shipped in 2008 to be adulterated because they
may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. As a result, the following
products produced from February 19, 2008 to May 15, 2008, are subject to recall:
- 40 lb. boxes of “Huntington Meats Ground Beef”
- 40 lb. boxes of ” HUNTINGTON MEAT PKG. INC. BEEF GROUND FOR FURTHER
PROCESSING” - 40 lb. boxes of “BEEF BURRITO FILLING MIX”
- 10 lb. boxes of “IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY”
- 20 lb. boxes of “IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY”
- 10 lb. boxes of “El Rancho MEAT & PROVISION ALL BEEF PATTIES”
Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 17967” inside the USDA mark of
inspection on a label. The products were produced between February 19, 2008, and
May 15, 2008, and were shipped to distribution centers, restaurants, and hotels
within the State of California.
While these products are normally used fresh, the establishment is taking this
action out of concern that some product may still be frozen and in commerce.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these
recalled products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a
physician.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody
diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very
young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to
foodborne illness.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms
notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are
taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including
fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef or ground beef patties that have
been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to be sure ground beef is
cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food
thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
Media and consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to the
company owner, Robert Glenn, at (888) 894-8242.
Source:
USDA FSIS