MrsPorkChop
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Omaha Beef Recalling Burgers!
Omaha Beef issues recall
Tests find hamburger meat may have E. coli
By Brian Saxton
THE NEWS-TIMES
DANBURY -- Dozens of area restaurants are being asked to return hamburger meat to a Danbury supplier after state health officials found it may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
David Lajoie, chief financial officer for Omaha Beef Co., confirmed Monday night the firm is voluntarily recalling about 1,680 pounds of ground beef products.
The products recalled include 10-pound boxes marked "Hamburger Patties, Omaha Beef Co., Inc.," and 5- and 10-pound bags of "Hamburger, Omaha Beef Co., Inc."
Each package bears the establishment number "Est. 2769" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture mark of inspection, as well as the case code "101861."
According to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the problem was discovered after routine microbiological testing of the product last week by the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service at the Omaha Beef facility on Maple Avenue.
The results of the testing were conveyed to the company Sunday evening.
"We were very surprised," said Lajoie. "Nothing like this has happened before."
Lajoie noted that the company was founded in 1881.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez said the department is working with federal officials and conducting compliance checks to ensure that meat is removed from shelves and restaurant kitchens.
"Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return it unused to the place of purchase," said Rodriguez.
Lajoie said the company is in the process of recalling the products and has notified the 75 customers involved. Most are restaurants in Connecticut and in several counties in southern New York state.
Connecticut state officials said no reports have been received of any illnesses associated with the consumption of the products.
E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can caused bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Very young people, seniors and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to becoming ill.
Last month, E. coli contamination prompted a nationwide recall of fresh spinach that was blamed for three deaths.
Lajoie said although some people may already be using the meat, no one has reported any harmful results.
"Although the product is being recalled, there should be no problem with it as long as the vendor is following the proper food safety standards for cooking," he noted.
Lajoie said the company is now trying to trace the source of the bacteria by investigating the bulk meat that was used to make the ground beef.
"We buy it through various suppliers," said Lajoie. "I'm not sure which vendor this came from."
Mayor Mark Boughton defended Omaha Beef's reputation Monday night, saying he was sure the company was "on top" of the problem.
"Omaha Beef has been around for decades," said Boughton. "They've always been known for a clean-run operation."
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