Possibility of E. coli Contamination Results in Veal Trimming Recall

Cinnaminson, NJ, February 18, 2013

Several weeks ago the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) posted news that a California company was recalling veal trimmings due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  The product was sold in sixty pound cardboard box cases and was produced between November 1st and the 9th of last year.

E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make people sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.

According to the FSIS release, “E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called HUS. This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. Symptoms of HUS may include fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, decreased urination, and swelling. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”

One of the leading microbial testing companies in North America, EMSL Analytical, Inc., has laboratory facilities located across the U.S. and Canada that are staffed with some of the leading scientists in identifying microbial contaminants.  “Whether a product is contaminated with fungal pathogens or bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes, EMSL can identify what is causing the contamination,” reported Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical.

EMSL has sponsored a public outreach video to inform people about E. coli dangers.  It can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Rlyfc-5fVqI.

To learn more about testing for microbial contaminants or other environmental and health & safety issues, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com