Georgia and Illinois Meat Plants Test Positive for E. coli O103
Two meat plants have recalled raw ground beef products this week due to Escherichia coli O103 contamination.
K2D Foods
First, K2D Foods, dba Colorado Premium Foods in Carrolton, GA, has recalled 113,424 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103. The raw ground beef items were produced on March 26, March 29, April 2, April 5, April 10, and April 12, 2019. The products recalled are described as “Two 24-lb. vacuum-packed packages in cardboard boxes containing raw “GROUND BEEF PUCK” with “Use Thru” dates of 4/14/19, 4/17/19, 4/20/19, 4/23/19, 4/28/19, and 4/30/19.” The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 51308” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the boxes. These items were shipped to distributors in Port Orange, Fla. and Norcross, Ga. for further distribution to restaurants.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at this time, there is no definitive link between this positive product and the ongoing E. coli O103 outbreak linked to ground beef. Further traceback and product analysis continues to determine if the recalled products are related to the E. coli O103 outbreak.
Grant Park Packing
Next, Grant Park Packing, a Franklin Park, IL establishment, has recalled 53,200 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103. The bulk raw ground beef was produced on October 30-31, 2018 and November 1, 2018. The products recalled are described as “40-lb. bulk cardboard boxes of “North Star Imports & Sales, LLC. 100% GROUND BEEF BULK 80% LEAN/ 20% FAT” marked “FOR INSTITUTIONAL USE ONLY” with lot code GP.1051.18 and pack dates 10/30/2018, 10/31/2018, and 11/01/2018.” The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 21781” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Minnesota for further distribution and Kentucky for institutional use.
While CDC has said that there is no definitive link between Grant Park Packing’s positive E. coli result and the current outbreak, “the sample was collected at a point of service where multiple case patients ate.” Still, the traceback investigation continues.
CDC’s most recent outbreak investigation update confirms 156 illnesses in 10 states and 20 hospitalizations in connection to the current E. coli O103 outbreak. No deaths have been reported.
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