7-3-2003 |
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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER REMINDS CONSUMERS TO PRACTICE FOOD SAFETY OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND State Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is reminding consumers to keep basic food safety rules in mind over the holiday weekend. “Grilling steaks and hamburgers is a tradition for many during the July 4th holiday,” Commissioner Douglass said. “While the vast majority of beef on the market is safe, a little precaution will keep everyone healthy and allow them to enjoy the weekend.” Food-borne diseases such as E coli, Listeria and Salmonella are a particular concern at this time of year. U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) this past week announced a voluntary recall of 739,000 pounds of vacuum-packaged beef because the meat may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7, following reports of suspicious illnesses in Minnesota, Kansas and Michigan. The meat was processed by Stampede, Meat Inc., of Chicago between March 17 and March 22, 2003, and was distributed to restaurants, institutions and retail stores nationwide. It also was sold door-to-door. “This product was distributed under several different brand names and while no illnesses have been reported in West Virginia, it is likely that some of the meat is in the state,” said Dr. Jan Charminski, Director of the State Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Division. Commissioner Douglass said it is believed that since the meat was processed in March, most of it has probably already been consumed, but added a caution. “E coli 0157:H7 contamination may cause a range of symptoms including stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea,” said Commissioner Douglass. Commissioner Douglass said meat should always be thoroughly cooked — egg and dairy products should be refrigerated. “A little bit of care will make this an enjoyable holiday for everyone,” Commissioner Douglass said. The recalled beef bears the establishment code “EST. 19113” inside the USDA mark of inspection. In addition, products subject to this recall bear a variety of lot codes, date codes and use-by date codes.” A complete listing of product codes is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/rec_intr.htm, or consumers can call 1-800-535-4555, or 1-800-353-0993. |
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