E. coli Fears Prompt Recall of Ground Beef and Pork Products in Multiple States

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that an Oregon packing company was recalling over 7 tons of ground beef and pork products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products were shipped to retail locations in Oregon, Utah and the state of Washington.

According to the FSIS announcement, “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 hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”

Fortunately, at the time of the recall notice, there had been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products. Consumers who purchased the recalled ground meat are urged not to consume it and to throw away or return the product to the place of purchase.

“E. coli O157:H7 is one of the strains of this all too common food pathogen that can cause dire illnesses and even death in extreme cases,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It is typically transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water or from contact with infected feces from animals, people or tainted surfaces.”

To help prevent these types of occurrences, EMSL provides comprehensive testing to identify E. coli and other foodborne pathogens frequently associated with product recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks.  These services can be utilized to test raw or final products and to confirm that surface cleaning and disinfection procedures in food processing and packing facilities are effective. Testing is available to food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, healthcare providers, regulators and the general public.

To learn more about E. coli testing or other microbial pathogen and food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail