E.coli concern sparks Gold Medal Packing recall

The possible E.coli contamination was discovered during routine sample testing, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

A recall of 4,607 pounds (lb) of veal products was launched on 23 December. This recall was later updated on Thursday 29 December to include more product labels and an expanded distribution area. This came after it was discovered additional processing and repackaging units for foodservice could be linked to the possible E.coli contamination.

Gold Medal Packing deals primarily with bob veal, but also offers custom slaughter and processing of sheep and lamb, goats, fed veal and pigs. The company could not be reached for comment.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of the products, according to FSIS.

The USDA said the E.coli organism was hard to identify as many clinical laboratories do not test for non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), such as the STEC O26 or O45 as these are trickier to spot than the aforementioned STEC O157.

Most people infected with either STEC O26 or O45 develop bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. Most people recover within a week, but some cases can develop into a more severe infection.