129,000 Pounds of Beef Recalled for E. coli

May 2007

The United States Department of Agriculture has announced a massive red meat recall affecting about 129,000 lbs and nearly 350 varieties of beef products. Steak and ground beef from Davis Creek Meat and Seafood produced between March 1 and April 30 of 2007 may be tainted with the dangerous bacterium, E. coli.

The meat products were shipped to 15 different states, including:

• Arkansas
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

The recall affects 344 different labeled products by Davis Creek. The items in question may be identified by an outer box label reading “Est. 1947A.” Inside, the USDA date code on the top right corner of the inspection label will read between “060” and “120.” Each box contains the declaration “Manufactured for Gordon Food Service” or “Distributed by Gordon Food Service.” Products without matching labels are not subject to recall.

Symptoms of food poisoning by E. coli include abdominal cramps and diarrhea followed by bloody diarrhea and possible fever, nausea, and vomiting. Sickness typical appears within seven days of consumption, and recovery lasts for about one week. For some, especially the young and elderly, E. coli may lead to serious kidney damage and even death. If you suspect that you have E. coli poisoning, see your doctor to have the sickness confirmed.