Fairbank Farms of Ashville, NY, is voluntarily recalling approximately 500,000 pounds of ground beef that might be contaminated with E. coli, the USDA stated today. This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
The recalled ground beef was produced September 14th to 16th, 2009 and sold in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The recalled beef is past its expiration date by 23 to 32 days. "We are urging consumers to check their freezers for ground beef products that are listed in the recall. Consumers who identify these products should return them to the point of purchase for a full refund," said Ron Allen, CEO of Fairbank Farms.
FSIS, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health and agriculture departments, determined during an investigation that there is an association between the beef products subject to recall and illnesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine.
To identify recalled products, consumers should check the package label for product name, package weight and sell-by date. All labels will show an establishment number of EST 492 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Recalled products include:
ACME
BJ's Wholesale Club
Ford Brothers
Giant Food Stores
Price Chopper
Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc.
Trader Joe's
Other products
· Cases of 10-lb. Fairbank Farms fresh ground beef chubs (for store grind). These products had a sell date of 10/3/09, 10/4/09 or 10/5/09, but will likely not bear those sell-by dates on their package labels. These products were distributed to retail establishments in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia for further processing. Consumers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.
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 food borne illness. Anyone with signs or symptoms of food borne illness should consult a physician.
When a product causes serious injury or death, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling product liability cases. Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Call Ted Novick, Esq. @ Gaines, Gruner, Ponzini & Novick, LLP @ 914-288-9595 for a free consultation.
