Approximately 66,000 pounds of ground and tenderized bison products have been recalled by a Henderson, Colorado company, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats.
5 people in Colorado and 1 in New York have been identified with an indistinguishable PFGE pattern after becoming ill. FSIS was continuing an on-going investigation in to a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Colorado when they determined there was a relation between the cluster of illnesses and bison products. Those affected became ill between the dates of June 4 and June 9 of this year. FSIS, the CDC and the FDA, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the New York Department of Health are working in conjunction on this investigation.
The products involved in this recall include:
· 12-oz packages of “GREAT RANGE BRAND ALL NATURAL BISON STEAK MEDALLIONS.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 23 and June 24, 2010
· 12-oz packages of “GREAT RANGE BRAND ALL NATURAL BISON SIRLOIN STEAKS.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 20, June 23 and June 24, 2010
· 16-oz packages of “GREAT RANGE BRAND ALL NATURAL GROUND BISON.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 21, June 22 or June 24, 2010.
· 16-oz packages of “NATURE’S RANCHER GROUND BUFFALO.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 22, 2010.
· 16-oz packages of “THE BUFFALO GUYS ALL NATURAL GROUND BUFFALO 90% LEAN.” These products have a lot number of 0147.
· 15-pound boxes of “ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATURAL MEATS, INC. BISON 10 OZ SIRLOIN STEAK.” These products went to restaurants and bear a Julian Code of 0141.
Consumers will find the establishment number “EST. 20247″ inside the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled bison products were distributed to food service distributors in Utah and Arizona, as well as retail establishments nationwide. The sell-by dates have since passed, but the FSIS and Rocky Mountain Natural Meats urge consumers to check their freezers for any possibly contaminated bison and dispose of the product or return it to the point of purchase.
E. coli food poisoning produces mild symptoms including nausea or vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea and low grade fever. Some individuals may be more susceptible to serious complications such as kidney failure or HUS. Those most at risk include young children, the frail or elderly, and those with a weakened immune system. Seek medical assistance if you develop symptoms after eating foods that could possibly be tainted with the E. coli bacteria.
This article was posted by Dataflurry, working on behalf of Brown Chiari. Brown Chiari is a team of experienced personal injury attorneys in Buffalo NY helping clients with personal injury, food poisoning, nursing home abuse, construction accidents and more.
