Beef And Beef Trimmings Recalled By Illinois Company

JSM Meat Holdings, a Chicago company (USDA Est. 6872), has recalled an undetermined amount of bulk-packed beef and beef trimmings that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The meat was distributed for further processing to establishments in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The contamination was detected by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. FSIS is unaware of any illnesses associated with this meat.

E. coli O157:H7 produces hemorrhagic colitis. Symptoms include severe cramps and watery diarrhea, which becomes bloody. The disease is especially dangerous for children, who can develop a deadly syndrome known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. Approximately 5-10% of infected children may develop HUS, which can be fatal in 5-10% of its victims..

If you live in one of the states to which this product has been shipped, please check with your retailer before purchasing repackaged ground beef. If any family member experiences symptoms of gastroenteritis within 1-7 days of having eaten a hamburger, consult your family doctor immediately.

Remember to handle raw meat with care so as to avoid spreading contamination in the kitchen. After preparing raw meats, clean your counter thoroughly; wash all utensils that touched the raw meat in hot, soapy water. And wash your hands carefully. Cook hamburgers and other ground meat dishes (such as meatloaf) until the meat is well-done throughout (160ºF on a meat thermometer).