Tyson Fresh Meats is recalling approximately 131,300 pounds of ground beef products sold at Kroger because of possible E. coli contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The Ohio Department of Health notified FSIS on Sept. 26, about cases of E. coli illnesses in that state. The on-going investigation involved collecting leftover ground beef from the patients’ homes, which tested positive for E. coli.

The ground beef products may already be in consumers’ freezers. The products have a Best Before, or Freeze By date of Sept. 12, 2011, and establishment number 245D along the package seam. All of the recalled products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011.

The following products are subject to the recall:

• 5-pound chubs of Kroger-brand ground beef packed in 40-pound cases containing eight chubs. Cases bear product code D-0211 QW. These products were shipped to distribution centers in Indiana and Tennessee.
• 3-pound chubs of Butcher’s Brand ground beef packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear product code D-0211 LWIF. These products were shipped to distribution centers in North and South Carolina.
• 3-pound chubs of a generic label ground beef packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear product code D-0211 LWI. These products were shipped to distribution centers in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ website.

E. coli is a bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, very old and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

Consumers with questions about the recall can call the company 866-328-3156. For food safety questions in general go to Ask Karen, the FSIS virtual representative. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 888-674-6854 is available in English and Spanish.

Tyson recalls beef sold at Kroger [YourHoustonNews.com]

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