FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007

CONTACT

Lori Maldonado
Deputy Director, Communications
303-692-2028

E. coli O157:H7 Contaminated Beef Patties Recalled

DENVER—The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection Division has announced that Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation is voluntarily recalling approximately 845,000 pounds of frozen ground beef patties produced at its Butler, Wis., location because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The frozen ground beef patties were produced on various dates from Aug. 9 through Aug. 17, 2007, and were distributed to retail establishments, restaurants and institutions nationwide, including in Colorado. Each label bears the establishment number “Est. 924A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Additional identifying information for the recalled products includes the following:

• 6-pound boxes of “American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties 18-1/3 Pound Patties.” Each package bears a case code of “7703100” and various package codes of Best If Used By dates of “02/05/08,” “02/06/08,” “02/12/08,” and “02/13/08.”

• 20-pound boxes of “Grille Works Seasoned Sirloin Steak Beef Patties.” Each package bears a case code of “7700296” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• 20-pound boxes of “TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning.” Each package bears a case code of “7703003” or “7703008” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning.” Each package bears a case code of “7703092” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• 20-pound boxes of “TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning.” Each package bears a case code of “7703132” or “7703133” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning.” Each package bears a case code of “7703139” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• 20-pound boxes of “TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Ground Beef Patties.” Each package bears a case code of “7700922” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• 32.4-pound boxes of “100% Black Angus Ground Beef Patties.” Each package bears a case code of “7700932” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

• · 36.0-pound boxes of “100% Black Angus Ground Beef Patties.” Each package bears a case code of “7700983” and a package code
  “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

Daniel Rifkin, Wholesale Food Program manager for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection Division, said, “E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium 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 ate the products and is experiencing intestinal illness should contact his or her health care provider. Any recalled product should be disposed or returned to the place of purchase,” he said.

The problem was discovered through an investigation into three illnesses by the Minnesota departments of health and agriculture. While the nvestigation is ongoing, Cargill is voluntarily recalling the products based on a preliminary analysis of epidemiological data.

For additional questions, consumers may contact Daniel Rifkin at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 303-692-3644 or Cargill at 866-567-7899.

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