Maryland Firm Recalls Ground Beef For Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-021-2006 HEALTH RISK: HIGH
USDA FSIS
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2006 - George G. Ruppersberger & Sons, Inc., a Baltimore, Md., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 315 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
The products subject to recall are:
* 10- pound packages of "GROUND BEEF, NET WEIGHT 10 LBS., KEEP REFRIGERATED." Each package bears the establishment number "Est. 5931" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the package code, "627963."
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
The ground beef was produced on July 13 and was distributed to restaurants and institutions in Baltimore, Md.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact company Manager Eb Nuttle at (410) 669-2600.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ Food_Safety_Education/ Ask_Karen/index.asp #Question. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
