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Ground Beef Recall Triggered by E. coli Fears

By Admin on August 02, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

A ground beef recall has been issued by a Kansas meat packing firm, with worries that the meat was contaminated with E.coli.

More than 25 tons of ground beef are involved in this limited recall, which affects consumers who bought the potentially tainted product from Winn-Dixie or Bi-Lo supermarkets, among others. The beef was also sold under the brands "National Beef," "NatureSource," and "NatureWell," reports The Christian Science Monitor.

Here's what you need to know about the ground beef recall and how to prevent E.coli infection:

What Beef Is Included in the Recall?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a notice Wednesday alerting consumers to ground beef products that bear the code "EST. 208A" on their USDA inspection mark.

If any of the meat products in your grocery store or refrigerator bear this mark, do not, by any means, purchase and/or eat that beef.

A spokesman for the company responsible for the recall, National Beef Packing, informed consumers that they should take any recalled beef to the retailer. A Winn-Dixie spokesman guaranteed that customers who return recalled beef will receive a full refund, TheChristian Science Monitor reports.

Threat of E. coli Contamination

While there haven't been any illnesses reported yet, the bacteria detected in one package of the recalled beef was confirmed to be E. coli O157:H7, reports Medical Daily.

This strain of E. coli is a leading cause of food poisoning and is responsible for more than 60 deaths each year in the United States.

If you are concerned that you've consumed food containing E.coli, you should contact a qualified health provider, as even in healthy adults, the food-borne illness can cause bloody diarrhea and possibly kidney failure.

For any questions about the recall, call National Beef Packing at (866) 761-9472.

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