Colorado-based Ranch Foods Direct, the trading name of Good Foods Concepts, has recalled 2,606lb – 1.3 tonnes – of ground beef products after a Colorado resident ate some raw meat and fell ill.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which demanded the recall, are concerned the products contain the potentially deadly bacteria E.coli O157:H7.
The health body said it was concerned that some products produced by the business may be frozen and still in consumers’ freezers. The recall has been classed as a high health risk.
What is E.coli?
It is a potentially devastating and – among the young and old – life-threatening virus that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhoea and stomach pain. Whilst most people normally recover in a week, some can develop serious kidney problem.
No problem in 16 years
“No meat product should be eaten raw,” a spokesman for Ranch Foods Direct said. “Safe handling instructions are provided on all ground beef packages and should be carefully followed.
“Good Food Concepts maintains a rigorous food safety program under USDA inspection. During sixteen years of operation, all products have been extensively tested with no problems found.”
The FSIS said it was notified of a possible illness linked to E.coli-contaminated ground beef on 14 July.
The food safety body worked in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the El Paso Country Public Health Department to establish is a possible link between Ranch Food Directs meat and the single reported incident of illness, the USDA reported.
The recalled products:
• Packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef 4-1 Ground Beef Patties 5# box.”
• Packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef 3-1 Ground Beef Patties 5# box.”
• Packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef 2-1 Ground Beef Patties 15# case.”
• 1-lb. packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef Ground Beef 85% 1#.”
• 1-lb. packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef Ground Beef 80% 1#.”
• 1-lb. packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef Ground Beef Sirloin 90% 1#.”
• Packages containing “Callicrate Beef Ground Beef: Beef Ground Beef 85/15 1# x 20 Bundle.”
• Packages containing “Callicrate WAGYU Beef Ground Beef: WAGYU Ground Beef 1#.”
• 1-lb. packages containing “Beef Stew Meat Tenderized.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct Ground Beef 85/15.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct Ground Beef 80/20.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct Ground Chuck.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct 80% Lean 20% Fat 3/1 Patties NET WT. 15#.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct 80% Lean 20% Fat 2/1 Patties 7 OZ NET WT. 15#.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct 80% Lean 20% Fat 3/1 Patties NET WT. 5.0#.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct 80% Lean 20% Fat 4/1 Patties NET WT. 15#.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct 80% Lean 20% Fat 2/1 Patties NET WT. 15#.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct 80% Lean 20% Fat 6/1 Patties NET WT. 15#.”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct Ground Beef (73/27).”
• Packages containing “Ranch Foods Direct Ground Tenderloin.”
• Products identified as “Cowpool D 1/4.”
• Products identified as “Cowpool A 1/8.”
• Packages containing “Chef’s Bundle: 4-Skirt Steak, 6- NY Strips, 6-Top Sirloin, 3-Chuck Roast, 2-Cube Steak, 15-Ground Beef 80% Lean 20% Fat.”
• Packages containing “Colorado Bundle: 4-Skirts Steaks, 4-Chuck Eye Steaks, 4-Top Sirloin, 2-Chuck Roast, 15-Ground Beef 80% Lean 20% Fat.”