August 6, 1999

Ground Beef Recall

The Westchester County Department of Health today alerted residents that State Agriculture and Health Commissioners have warned consumers not to eat ground beef patties made by Jac Pac Foods Ltd. with a product code 00924 or 00934 due to possible E. coli 0:157 contamination.

The suspect product was voluntarily recalled by Jac Pac Foods of Manchester, NH. The ground beef patties were distributed through BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. in 5 and 10 pound boxes. Consumers should look for the product codes "00924" or "00934" on the side panel of the boxes. It is unclear which BJ’s stores carried the product.

"Residents who purchased these suspect hamburger patties should return them to the store for a refund or throw them out," stated Dr. Ada Huang, Westchester County Deputy Commissioner of Disease Control. "There have been several reported illnesses in New York State but no cases in Weschester County to date possibly resulting from consumption of these hamburger patties. Follow-up investigation is still in progress."

To avoid E. coli 0157 infection, the Health Department urges all residents to thoroughly cook ground beef until it reaches a minimum temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid cross-contamination of other foods. Infections with E. coli 0157 generally result in bloody diarrhea, and severe abdominal cramps. Anyone developing these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately. Occasionally, this illness can lead to kidney failure and, in severe cases, even death.

E. coli 0157 infections are often associated with the consumption of

undercooked beef, but outbreaks have been linked to swimming in contaminated water, unpasteurized foods (apple cider and milk), and person-to-person transmission.

"Cooking ground beef until no "pink" remains on the inside is common practice used by many people to determine that their hamburgers are safe to eat," Dr. Huang continued. "However, the only way to be absolutely certain that ground beef is safe for consumption is to thoroughly cook it to a minimum temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Quick reading metal stem probe thermometers are available inexpensively at most stores where cookware is sold."

Residents should also take care to avoid cross contamination of other foods, preparation surfaces, or utensils when handling ground beef. To avoid cross contamination with other foods, all kitchen surfaces and utensils that come in contact with raw ground beef (or other meats, fish or poultry) should be cleaned and sanitized with a mild solution of household bleach (one capful bleach/gallon water). Food preparers should always wash their hands thoroughly before preparing food and particularly after handling hamburger and other raw meats.

For additional information about E. coli 0157, call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.