Nebraska Firm Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible E.coli
Contamination
Aug. 11, 2008 - DENVER - The Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection
Division on Monday announced that Nebraska Beef, Ltd., an
Omaha, Neb., establishment has recalled approximately 1.2
million pounds of beef – including primal cuts, subprimal
cuts and boxed beef – that may be contaminated with E. coli.
These beef products were produced on June 17, June 24 and
July 8, 2008. The shipping containers and product labels on
the recalled products bear the establishment number “EST.
19336” inside the U. S. Department of Agriculture mark of
inspection, as well as the brand name “Coleman Natural.”
However, since these products were sent to establishments
and retail stores nationwide for further processing and
repackaging, some of the meat likely will not bear the “EST.
19336” number on products that were available for direct
consumer purchase. Daniel Rifkin, manager of the Wholesale
Food Program with the Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment, advises consumers, “Because the product may
have been further processed and repackaged at the place of
purchase, anyone who suspects they may have product from
these stores prior to the recall should not consume the
product and return it to the place of purchase.” The
problem was discovered through a joint investigation with
state departments of health and agriculture, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and USDA’s Food Safety and
Inspection Service. To date, 31 cases in 12 states and
Canada have been identified in the investigation. There has
been one confirmed case in Colorado, located in the
Denver-metro area. According to a representative from
Coleman Natural, the recalled product was distributed to
Kroger (King Soopers and City Market) and Whole Foods in
Colorado. According to both retailers, the recalled product
was pulled from store shelves beginning Saturday, Aug. 9.
Consumers with questions about the recall should contact
James Timmerman, vice president of administration at Coleman
Natural, at 402-733-0456. Media with questions about the
recall can contact company representative William Lamson at
402-397-7300. E. coli 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. Anyone with signs or symptoms of
foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.
Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the
Food Safety and Inspection Service virtual representative
available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA
Meat and Poultry Hotline1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is
available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 8
a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety
messages are available 24 hours a day. Consumers all may
call Daniel Rifkin at the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment, 303-692-3644. |
