California Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

WASHINGTON, August 6 - S&S Foods LLC., an Azusa, Calif., firm, is recalling approximately 153,630 pounds of frozen ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. The following products subject to recall include: * 30-pound boxes of 742798 MFST, 100% GROUND BEEF BULK, 80/20, 1LB. BRICK. These boxes of frozen ground beef products bear the establishment number EST. 20375 inside the USDA mark of inspection, and a case code beginning 06238 ink-jet printed on the side of the box. This product was intended for food service and institutional use and not for direct retail purchase. The problem was discovered through a joint epidemiological investigation by FSIS and the Virginia Department of Health as well as product testing by the Virginia Department of Health. These ground beef products were shipped to distribution centers located in Milwaukee, Wis., and Allentown, Penn. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. FSIS has received 11 reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Keith Dunning at (626) 625-2039.