Nebraska Firm Expands Recall of Beef Products Due to
Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Coloradans Urged to Cook Ground Beef Thoroughly to Avoid
Illness
July 3, 2008 - DENVER - The Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection Division
Thursday announced that Nebraska Beef in Omaha, Neb., is
expanding its June 30 recall to include approximately 5.3
million pounds of ground beef products because they may be
contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The beef products were
produced between May 16 and June 26. The products subject to
recall were further processed into ground beef at other
firms, and likely will not have the establishment number
listed on product packaging made available for purchase by
consumers.
Patricia Klocker, acting director for the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer
Protection Division, said, “Because of the amount of the
product recalled and the lack of an establishment
identification number, the product is difficult to track and
may be in Colorado. We are advising all consumers to safely
prepare their raw meat and eat ground beef or ground beef
patties only if they have been cooked to a safe internal
temperature of 160º F. The only way to be sure ground beef
is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful
bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal
temperature.”
She said E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria
that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very
young, seniors and people with compromised immune systems
are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. “Anyone who
suspects they consumed the products and is experiencing
intestinal illness should contact his or her health care
provider,” said Klocker.
The problem was discovered through an investigation into
40 illnesses reported in Michigan (21) and Ohio (19). While
the investigation is ongoing, Nebraska Beef is recalling the
products based on a preliminary analysis of epidemiological
data. There have been no reported cases of illness in
Colorado associated with this recall.
Consumers with questions about the recall should contact
the company’s Vice President of Administration James
Timmerman at 402-733-0456. Media with questions about the
recall should contact company representative William Lamson
at 402-397-7300.
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