New Beef Recall Issued; Meat May Contain E. Coli

The USDA announced that Blue Ribbon Meats, in an effort to head off a potential E. coli outbreak, is recalling around 8,200 pounds of ground beef. The beef may or may not have been contaminated with E. coli, but the company is not taking any chances. Blue Ribbon Meats, is a processing company operating out of Hialeah, Florida.

There are several different products associated with the recall, and they are listed below. All products are frozen. This is a Class I recall and the health risk is listed as high.

Boxes containing ten pounds of 'season beef patties for Salisbury, 80/20' - Wespak B.R.'s Brand

Boxes containing ten and twenty pounds of 'season beef patties for Salisbury, 80/20' - JNS Foods, LLC, B.R.'s Brand

Boxes containing ten and twenty pounds of 'beef patty mix, 80/20' - JNS Foods, LLC

Boxes containing ten twenty pounds of 'beef patties, 80/20' - JNS Foods, LLC

Boxes containing ten and twenty pounds of 'meatloaf season beef patties, 80/20' - JNS Foods, LLC

Every container of beef has the establishment number "Est. 451A' on the inside of the USDA inspection mark. Each container has a date code printed on it. The date code could be '2577, 2647, or 2707' The ingredients contained in each product are printed on the label.

The dates of production that are under question by the USDA are the times between September 14^th and September 27^th of 2007. The product was sent to a distributor meant to be sent to a correctional facility in Florida and to a distributor meant to pass it on to another distributor in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is believed that the exact destination in the islands was St. Thomas.

A farm in Arkansas City, Kansas found the problem and reported it to the USDA. The farm in question is named Creekstone Farm. The problem arose when a breakdown happened in communication and a supply of product that was put on hold was packed up and shipped out to Blue Ribbon Meats. There have been no reports of any complications or sickness from the meet. Those with questions should contact Ira Bregman at the number 305-887-7534. She is a company vice president.