October 11, 2001 — WASHINGTON — J.H. Dodman Co. Inc., a Buffalo, N.Y., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 265 pounds of fresh ground beef 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 being recalled was produced on Oct. 4 and distributed to restaurants and institutions in Erie and Niagara counties in New York.

The product was packed to order in cases of varying weights, containing unlabeled 5 and 10 lb. bags. The cases are marked “GROUND BEEF” and labeled with the date code “277.” Additionally, each case label bears “EST. 4586” inside the USDA seal of inspection.

“Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,” said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. “Diners may wish to ask if meals made with ground beef 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 Kirk Dodman, company president, at (716) 854-3286. 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.