Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of E. coli Linked to Ground Bison Meat

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local partners in the U.S., and with the support of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), announced they were investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 and E. coli O103 illnesses.

The FDA and CDC analyzed traceback and epidemiological information to determine that meat supplied by a Canadian company is the likely cause of the illnesses. In response, the company began a voluntary recall in July of its ground bison and ground bison patties that were produced between February 22, 2019 and April 30, 2019. The recalled meats were distributed across the Eastern and Central U.S. to institutions and retail outlets.

At least 21 recorded illnesses, including eight hospitalizations, have been identified. States with cases so far include Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Distributors, retailers and restaurants are advised to not distribute, use or serve the recalled meat.

The microbiologists and scientists at MPL Laboratories work with food producers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and importers to identify E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and other microbial pathogens and contaminants. Product, production surface and environmental testing can be instrumental for evaluating ingredients, finished goods, and cleaning and disinfection procedures in facilities that produce, handle or distribute food products. In the event that a contaminated product has already caused an outbreak, rapid testing methods offered by MPL Laboratories and its family of laboratories can facilitate the process of quickly pinpointing its source to prevent further product contamination and illnesses.

To learn more about food, supplement, cosmetic, personal care product or pharmaceutical testing services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories

MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes a PhD Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 40 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail