by Mary Rothschild
Aug 10, 2011
Three people in Michigan have been infected with E. coli O157:H7 in an outbreak tied to ground beef, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Tuesday.
FSIS said the illnesses have prompted a recall of 360 pounds of bulk ground beef sold mostly to restaurants.
In a news release, FSIS said the Michigan departments of Community health and Agriculture and Rural Development reported on Aug. 4 that they were investigating a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. The three case patients became ill between July 18 and 28.
FSIS said an epidemiologic investigation implicated ground beef and trace backs led to McNees Meats and Wholesale of North Branch, MI, which is recalling 36 10-lb. bags of bulk ground beef sold to restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch. The beef was also sold from a retail store owned by McNees Meats, according to FSIS.
The recalled beef was produced on July 15 and 21. Each clear plastic bag is labeled "EST. 33971" within the USDA mark of inspection.
FSIS said it continues to investigate the outbreak along with Michigan public health authorities.
Questions about the recall should be addressed to the company's main contact, Melanie McNees, at 810-688-2408.