ag-formation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2002

Recall Notification Report-USDA FSIS-fresh ground beef

COLUMBIA---The South Carolina Department of Agriculture issues the following RECALL NOTIFICATION REPORT pertaining to fresh ground beef on behalf of the USDA-FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE. A routine microbiological sample of fresh ground beef from a Georgia company collected by FSIS was reported positive for E. coli O157:H7. Some of the beef was reported to have been distributed to South Carolina. For distribution information or other information, call Randal Garrett, General Manager of Shapiro Farmers Market, 706-722-2694.

PRODUCTS RECALLED: Fresh Ground Beef

PRODUCTION DATES/IDENTIFYING CODES: Produced on November 05, 2002. The following ground beef products being recalled are packaged in trays of varying weights:

* "GROUND ROUND, 100% BEEF, CONTAINS 15% FAT, 1/3 PATTY 85%, LEAN GROUND BEEF" Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.15.02."

* "GROUND CHUCK, 100% BEEF, CONTAINS 20% FAT." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.15.02."

* "85% ANGUS PATTIES, CONTAINS 15% FAT, BLACK ANGUS GROUND BEEF ROUND PATTIES." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.17.02."

* "80/20 CHUCK PATTIES, CONTAINS 20% FAT, GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.17.02."

* "GROUND BEEF ROUND PATTIES, 100% BEEF, CONTAINS 15% FAT." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11/15/02."

* "85/15 ROUND PATTIES, GROUND BEEF ROUND PATTIES, 100% BEEF, CONTAINS 15% FAT." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.15.02."

* "LEAN GROUND BEEF PATTIES, CONTAINS 8% FAT, 92% LEAN PATTIES." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.17.02."

* "SIRLOIN GROUND BEEF, 100% BEEF, CONTAINS 10% FAT, 90% GROUND BEEF." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.15.02."

* "Ground Beef, CONTAINS 27% FAT, 73% GROUND BEEF." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.17.02."

* "Black Angus Lean Ground Beef, 90% ANGUS GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 10% FAT." Each tray is marked "SELL BY 11.17.02."

Each tray bears "EST. 332A" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Other ground beef products being recalled are:

* 5-pound packages of "100% PURE Ground Chuck." Packages are ink stamped with "EST. 332A" and "SELL BY 11/23/02."

* 5-pound packages of "100% PURE Ground Beef." Packages are ink stamped with "EST. 332A" and "SELL BY 11/23/02."

* 10-pound chubs, packed eight to a box. Each chub is ink stamped with "EST. 332A" and "SELL BY 11/23/02." Each box label is marked "73/27 GROUND BEEF 10LB" and bears the code "800045."

* 10-pound chubs, packed eight to a box. Each chub is ink stamped with "EST. 332A" and "SELL BY 11/23/02." Each box label is marked "80/20 GROUND BEEF CHUCK 10LB" and bears the code "800046."

* 10-pound chubs, packed eight to a box. Each chub is ink stamped with "EST. 332A" and "SELL BY 11/23/02." Each box label is marked "85/15 GROUND BEEF ROUND 10LB" and bears the code "800047."

PROBLEM/REASON FOR RECALL: The product may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7.

HOW/WHEN DISCOVERED: A routine microbiological sample was collected by FSIS on November 05, 2002. It was reported positive for E. coli O157:H7 on November 13, 2002.

FEDERAL ESTABLISHMENT:

00332A M

Shapiro Farmers Market

1150 5th St., Bldg. 60

Augusta, GA 30901

CONSUMER CONTACT: Randal Garrett, General Manager, 706-722-2694

MEDIA CONTACT: Randal Garrett, General Manager, 706-722-2694

QUANTITY RECALLED: Approximately 54,000 pounds

DISTRIBUTION: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

RECALL CLASSIFICATION: Class I

RECALL NOTIFICATION LEVEL: Consumer/Wholesale

PRESS RELEASE: Yes

DIRECT NOTIFICATION MEANS: The firm has notified its customers orally and will follow-up in writing.

FSIS FOLLOWUP ACTIVITIES: Effectiveness checks by the FSIS.

OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED: None

FSIS CONTACTS:

Compliance/Recall Coordinator: 202-418-8874

Recall Management: 202-690-6389

Media Inquiries: 202-720-9113

Congressional Inquiries: 202-720-3897

Consumer Inquiries: 1-800-535-4555

Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/rec_intr.htm

DATE OF RECALL MEETING: November 14, 2002

RECALL CASE NUMBER: 102-2002

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