July 19, 2006

US ground beef recalled on E. coli fears

George G. Ruppersberger and Sons Inc, a US company, voluntarily recalled ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli, according to USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

FSIS said this recall carries a "high" health risk.

10-pound packages of labeled ground beef would be recalled.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological testing. FSIS has not received reports of illnesses from the consumption of this product so far.

The ground beef was produced on July 13 and was distributed to restaurants and institutions in Baltimore.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the bacteria.