October 11, 2001 — WASHINGTON — Global Distributors, a Miami, Fla., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 400 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. 2 and distributed to restaurants in Miami, Fla.

The product was packaged in 40 lb. boxes marked ?GD processing division, GROUND BEEF (PICADILLO).? Each box contains the package code ?PACKED ON: OCT 02 2001 GLOBAL DISTRIBUTORS.? Additionally, each case label bears ?EST. 11133? 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 Billy, FSIS administrator. ?Diners in the Miami area 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 with questions about the recall may contact Rodolfo Valdez, Global Distributor?s Plant Manager at (305) 634-3474. Media with questions may contact Jose Martinez, Global Distributor?s Quality Control Manager at (305) 634-3474. 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.