National Beef Packing Co. has recalled 50,000 pounds of ground beef because of possible contamination with E. coli. The company previously recalled another 20,000 pounds in June. Eating or handling raw or undercooked ground beef contaminated with E. coli can cause food poisoning. The gastrointestinal illness often causes severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children and the elderly.
What You Can Do & How a National Beef Recall Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by E. coli after eating ground beef recalled by National Beef, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
National Beef Recalls 50,000 Pounds of Ground Beef
August 1, 2013 — After recalling nearly 23,000 pounds of ground beef on June 18, National Beef Packing Co. has recalled another 50,000 pounds that have tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a strain of E. coli that can cause food poisoning. There have been no reports of illnesses. The products involved in the more recent recall were produced in July 18 and sold throughout the United States in 10-lb packages.
National Beef recall on July 18, 2013:
- “National Beef” 93/ 7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 0707
- “NatureSource” 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, Product Code 7031
- “NatureSource” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7054
- “NatureSource” 90/10 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7344
- “NatureSource” 93/ 7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7004
- “NatureWell 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, Product Code 7484
- “NatureWell” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7454
- “NatureWell” 90/10 Fine Ground Sirloin, Product Code 7577
- “NatureWell” 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7404
National Beef recall on June 18, 2013:
- 10 lb. packages of “National Beef” 80/20 Coarse Ground Chuck, package code “0481.”
- 10 lb. packages of “National Beef” 81/19 Coarse Ground Beef, package code “0421.”
- 10 lb. packages of “National Beef” 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, package code “0484.”
According to the June 18 National Beef Recall Notification, the ground beef was produced at a facility in Liberal, Kansas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also issued a news release that reported the products were sold in Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Arizona.
What is E. Coli?
E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans, animals, and cows. It is not usually harmful. However, some strains are known to cause severe food poisoning in humans. The strain of E. coli implicated in the National Beef recall is E. coli O157:H7, a strain that was first identified in 1982 after a massive outbreak of bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis) was linked to ground beef.
How Does E. Coli Infection Spread?
The most common way E. coli spreads to ground beef is when cow manure gets into the meat during slaughtering, butchering, or processing. The bacteria does not live in the fat or muscle of the cows. Once the manure is on the meat, butchering tools, or processing equipment, it is ground up and mixed with meat from other cows. Even tiny amounts of E. coli can contaminate hundreds or even thousands of pounds of ground beef.
E. Coli Food Poisoning from Ground Beef
E. Coli food poisoning can occur when people touch and consume raw or undercooked ground beef. Symptoms typically appear within 72 hours of exposure, and may involve bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration is a serious complication of food poisoning that can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and permanent kidney damage. Hospitalization may be necessary for people who require intravenous (IV) fluids.
Symptoms of E. coli food poisoning from ground beef:
- Diarrhea – sudden, severe, and often bloody
- Fever
- Intestinal gas
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting (rare)
- And more
Do I have a National Beef Recall Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by E. coli after eating ground beef recalled by National Beef, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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