Beef Recalled Due to E. Coli Threat

Meat eaters in the Midwest may want to forgo the beef.

Davis Creek Meats and Seafood, in Kalamazoo Michigan is recalling 129,000 pounds of beef which could be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, according to U.S. the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The meats which could be carrying the dangerous E. coli bacteria are boxes of ground beef, and boxes of steak. Consumers will want to check any Davis Creek Meats and Seafoods box for the USDA mark that has "Est. 1947" inside it. Also check the top right corner of label, for the date code. The date code of the possibly contaminated meat will include numbers between 060 and 120.

According to the Miami Herald, some of the beef which may be contaminated with the E. coli is the machine-tenderized steaks distributed by Davis Creek Meats and Seafood. Because the tenderizing is done by machine, there is a greater chance of the E.coli bacteria being transferred from one piece of contaminated beef to other pieces of beef.

The beef recall affects beef products which Davis Creek Meats and Seafoods shipped between March 1, 2007 and April 30, 2007. The meat which may be contaminated with the E. coli bacteria was shipped to various distribution centers and stores in the following Midwest and southern U.S. states: Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

According to reports, "several" people from the Midwest have been made sick by consuming the beef.

Symptoms of E. coli can range from stomach cramping and diarrhea, or the symptoms could be even more severe. If you suspect food poisoning due to the E.coli contaminated beef, contact your healthcare professional. For young children, the elderly, or anyone with kidney health issues, or any severe cases, please go to the nearest emergency room.

Consumers with questions about the potentially E. coli contaminated beef from Davis Creek Meats and Seafood, in Kalamazoo Michigan may call the company representative, David Sanford, at (269)344-1084, ext. 131.

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