E. Coli Tainted Beef Prompts Recall
Updated June 2007- Following an alert on June 3rd, 2007, about a potential E. coli contamination, the United Food Group in California has recalled over 5.7 million pounds of fresh and frozen beef. Initially the recall included only 75,000 pounds of ground beef, and then 370,000 pounds were added to the recall on June 6, based on “unspecified concerns” raised by the California State Department of Health. On June 9, the group expanded the recall to 5.7 million pounds of ground beef. The recall was expanded out of caution due to a positive test of E. coli O157:H7 in fresh ground beef included in the recall.
The USDA announced that 14 people in six different states had signs of having been infected with E. coli following the consumption of ground beef. Illnesses occurred in Arizona (6), California (3), Colorado (2), Idaho (1), Utah (1) and Wyoming (1). The illness onset dates of patients ranged between April 25 and May 18. At this time all patients are said to have recovered.
The ground beef products that have been recalled were produced between April 6-April 20 and were shipped to stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The affected grocery stores include Albertson's, Basha's, Grocery Outlet, Fry's, "R" Ranch Markets, Save-A-Lot, Save-Mart, Scolari's Wholesale Markets, Smart and Final, Smith's, Stater Bros. and Superior Warehouse with the product’s sell-by dates from April 20 to May 7.
People who eat E. coli-contaminated food generally have symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration within eight days of exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In people with compromised immune systems, especially the elderly and children, the bacteria can cause kidney failure and death.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems after being exposed to E. coli. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits that may affect your case. Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you.