The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises consumers that some 8,500 pounds of ground beef from Pennsylvania-based Cargill Meat Solutions may be contaminated with E coli. E coli is an organism that can cause serious or fatal infections in young children, elderly or anyone with a weak immune system. This product was not distributed in Rhode Island; however, it was distributed to BJ’s Wholesale Clubs in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The ground beef being recalled has a use by/freeze by date of 07/01/2010, a product code of W69032, and has the establishment number 9400 on it.
At this time, no illnesses have been reported in Rhode Island in association with this recall. Anyone who bought this ground beef should throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. This is also a reminder that ground beef should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
Symptoms of E coli include diarrhea and dehydration.
To view the complete recall notice, visit http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_050_2010_Release/index.asp