August 9, 2010

US meat processor recalls E. coli-tainted ground beef

California-based Valley Meat Co is recalling one million pounds of frozen ground beef patties and bulk ground beef after they were linked to a "rare strain" of E. coli infection, the USDA said Friday (Aug 6).

The company said in a statement: "Because most of the products are sold frozen, we are working with our retailers to remove the affected products from grocery store shelves, and to encourage consumers to dispose of products they may have at home or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund."

The USDA said it first learned of the infections from the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria on July 15 from the California Department of Public Health.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure, according to the USDA. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness, it added.