E. Coli Linked to Recalled Ground Beef, Tainted Steaks

Over 100,000 pounds of frozen hamburger patties and ground beef have been recalled in five states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington), according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service. The recall was initiated voluntarily by Richwood Meat Co., Inc. (of Merced, CA) after three California children were sickened by hamburgers that may have been contaminated with e. Coli. According to the Associated Press, "the recalled products are hamburger patties and ground beef sold under the brands Fireriver, Chef's Pride, Ritz Food, Blackwood Farms, California Pacific Associates, C&C Distributing, Golbon and Richwood." Tests are still being conducted, and at least two other cases of illness may be linked to tainted ground beef. Read the Recall Announcement from the USDA (PDF file).

In Pennsylvania, the USDA and the state Department of Health are investigating five cases of e. Coli sickness that may be linked to consumption of steaks at "Hoss's Steak and Sea House" restaurants between March 24 and March 29. The illnesses are believed to be linked to meat produced by Pennsylvania beef company HFX, Inc., which has recalled over 250,000 pounds of beef products due to possible e. Coli contamination. Read the Recall Announcement from the USDA (PDF file).

• AP News: Meat Company Blames E. Coli on Supplier
• Restaurants Remove Tainted Beef Steaks (Pennsylvania Evening Sun)
• Pennsylvania Health Department Investigating E. Coli Cases (PA Health Dept.)
• Food Poisoning (FindLaw)