Approximately 6,800 pounds of uncooked beef patties and ground meat manufactured by an Illinois-based company were recently recalled.
The recall by Valley Meats LLC stems from the possibility that the product may be contaminated with an E. coli strain tested by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). mentioned in Sunday's recall warning. as a “potentially lethal bacterium.”
The 6,768 pounds of meat included in the recall were packaged in boxes of a specific size, all of which were labeled “EST.” 5712” is within the USDA mark of inspection, FSIS said.
FSIS said distribution facilities in four states received the recalled meat for later shipment to restaurants and “other institutional users.” Reseller locations include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan.
“FSIS is concerned that some products may be in the refrigerators and freezers of facilities and restaurants,” the agency said. “Restaurants and establishments are asked not to serve these products. These products must be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.”
FSIS, which falls under the USDA, said the potentially affected ground meat and patties do not cause any known side effects.
FOX Business reached out to Valley Meats for additional comment on the recall, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
According to FSIS, Valley Meats reported that samples sent to a third-party laboratory tested positive for E. coli 0157:H7, prompting the recall.
That E. coli strain is “the most common strain that causes illness in people.” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
FSIS said people exposed to the bacteria can experience dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. The strain also causes hemolytic uremic syndrome in some people, most often in young children and the elderly, the agency said.
According to Johns Hopkins University, E. coli 0157:H7 causes about 70,000 illnesses a year.
