SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Chicago food company has recalled approximately 200 pounds of ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced.
The ground beef patties were produced by Columbus Meat Market Inc., 906 W. Randolph, Dec. 27, 2010, and shipped to food-handling establishments in the Chicagoland area. Each package label on the suspect patties bears the establishment number "EST. 755" and an identifying pack date of "12/27/10." The contamination was discovered through IDOA microbiological sampling, which confirmed a positive result for E. coli O157:H7.
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 food-borne illnesses.
IDOA and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
IDOA routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that firms have notified their customers of a recall and that steps have been taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Media and consumer inquiries regarding the recall should be directed to Columbus Meat Market Inc. at (312) 829-2480.
Source: Illinois Department of Agriculture