National Beef Packing Company, a Dodge City, Kan., establishment, is recalling approximately 690 pounds of beef tongue root filet products that may be contaminated with E. coliO157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • 30-lb. boxes of “National Beef” Beef Tongue Root Filet, Product Code “12753.” These products bear the establishment number “EST. 262” inside the USDA mark of inspection and include a pack date of “081913A.”

The products were produced on August 19, 2013, and were shipped to a distributor in Amarillo, Texas, for further processing.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS monitoring which confirmed a positive result for E. coli O157:H7. An investigation determined National Beef Packing Company was the sole supplier of the source materials used to produce the positive product.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and to ensure that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

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