Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Announced

WASHINGTON -- There's been a huge beef recall.

A Minneapolis company is recalling more than 700,000 pounds of frozen beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

GFI American produced the beef between June 25 and July 16. It was distributed to hotels, restaurants and other institutions nationwide.

There have been no reports of anyone getting sick from the recalled beef.

The firm contacted the Food Safety and Inspection Service and reported that during a quality control check of its cold storage facility it discovered that its employees inadvertently used a lot of beef products, rejected because of contamination with E. coli, in the manufacture of the recalled ground beef products on the nine days of production in June and July 2002.

Each package bears the establishment code "EST. 2368" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The ground beef was produced on June 25-29, July 1-3, and July 16 and distributed to hotels, restaurants and institutions nationwide.

"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli, diners may want to ask if their meals contain the recalled product," said William J. Hudnall, acting FSIS administrator. .

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Stephanie Golden, customer service manager, at (612) 872-6262.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT , Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

What Exactly Was Recalled?