Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination Prompts Recall of 135,000 lbs of Beef Trim

Washington, DCBeltex Corporation is recalling approximately 135,500 pounds of beef trim products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, and therefore may pose a threat of food poisoning.

For a detailed list of affected products, see the link below. Each box containing affected product bears the establishment number "EST. 07041B" inside the USDA mark of inspection on a label. The products were produced on Oct. 28, 2009, Nov. 20, 2009, Feb. 19, 2010, or April 2, 2010, and were distributed to wholesalers and other federal establishments in the States of Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a routine Food Safety Assessment performed at the establishment. The establishment's methods for analyzing samples for E. coli O157:H7 in beef products raised concerns about the safety of the product.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.