July 6, 2001 — WASHINGTON, DC — Sierra Meat Co., a Reno, Nev., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,400 pounds of fresh ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The ground beef products being recalled are packed in 12 lb. cases labeled “SIERRA MEAT COMPANY GROUND BEEF PATTIES.” Each case is marked with a date of “June 27 01” and bears the establishment number “EST. 1438” inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The ground beef was produced on June 27 and distributed to food service establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, in Nevada.
“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,” said Margaret O?K. Glavin, acting FSIS administrator. “Diners may wish to ask if meals made with ground beef patties contain the recalled product.”
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Roy Shuey, operations manager, Sierra Meat Co., at (775) 322-4073, ext. 108. Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.