Product Distributed Nationwide To Sam’s Club Stores, Restaurants, Institutions—

New Warning Issued About E Coli In Beef Patties

HARTFORD — For the second time in as many weeks, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, is issuing a recall warning to shoppers who have recently bought frozen ground beef patties.

Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation is voluntarily recalling approximately 845,000 pounds of frozen ground beef patties produced at its Butler, Wis., location because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The frozen ground beef patties were produced on various dates from August 9 through August 17, 2007, and were distributed to Sam’s Club Stores, restaurants and institutions nationwide. Each label bears the establishment number “Est. 924A” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

“These products may certainly have been sold in any of the three Sam’s Club Stores in Connecticut,” Commissioner Farrell said. “All of the suspected items are now off-sale at the stores; however, shoppers who might have purchased these potentially tainted products should check the codes, and if they are part of the recall, return them to the store for a full refund. Please do not eat these items.”

The three Sam’s Club stores in Connecticut are at 69 Pavilions Drive in Manchester, 245 Wilbur Cross Highway in Berlin, and 2 Boston Post Road in Orange.

The recalled Sam’s Club products are 6-pound boxes of American Chef’s Selection Angus Beef Patties 18 1/3 Pound Patties. Each package bears a case code of “7703100” and various package codes of Best If Used By dates of “02/05/08,” “02/06/08,” “02/12/08,” and “02/13/08.”

“In addition, similar frozen beef products were sold and shipped to restaurants and institutions, and are also part of this recall,” Commissioner Farrell said. These items are:

*20-pound boxes of Grille Works Seasoned Sirloin Steak Beef Patties. Each package bears a case code of “7700296” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*20-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning. Each package bears a case code of “7703003” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*20-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning. Each package bears a case code of “7703008” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*10-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning. Each package bears a case code of “7703092” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*20-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning. Each package bears a case code of “7703132” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*20-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning. Each package bears a case code of “7703133” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*10-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning. Each package bears a case code of “7703139” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*20-pound boxes of TNT Thick ‘n’ Tender Black Angus Ground Beef Patties. Each package bears a case code of “7700922” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*32.4-pound boxes of 100% Black Angus Ground Beef Patties. Each package bears a case code of “7700932” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

*36.0-pound boxes of 100% Black Angus Ground Beef Patties. Each package bears a case code of “7700983” and a package code “packed/chilled by 08/15/07.”

The Department of Public Health notified all local health departments about the recall, and asked them to promptly contact food service and retail establishments to inform them as well. The Department of Consumer Protection’s Food & Standard Division will conduct recall effectiveness checks statewide.

An investigation into three illnesses by the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture led to suspicion of the beef. While the investigation is ongoing, Cargill is voluntarily recalling the products based on a preliminary analysis of epidemiological data. Anyone concerned about an illness should immediately contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall may call Cargill toll-free at 866-567-7899.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, senior citizens, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 am to 4 pm (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.