E.COLI 0157:H7 CAUSES GROUND BEEF RECALL

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been busy tracking down contaminants in food. And its efforts are paying off. Mind you, a little late, but at least eventually.

For the last three months or so, it was chasing the cause of the Salmonella illnesses that were occurring nationwide in the U.S. After much effort, the USDA finally fingered the ground turkey produced by one of America's giant meat firms as the culprit (see previous posts).

Now, working together with the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), it has tracked down the cause of the E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that have been occurring in Michigan since July.

This time another ground meat product is involved - ground beef (ground products are always more risky). It was produced by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC., a North Branch, Michigan. The company is recalling only about 360 pounds of ground beef product at this time (but this could expand). As far as is known at present, this product was only distributed in Michigan (If I find out differently, I'll add to this). Since these were large 10lb bags, presumably they were sold to food service establishments.

E.coli 0157:H7 can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Seniors and persons with weak immune systems, as well as children, are the most at risk.

To your good health,

TSF