FSIS issues a public health warning for beef products due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination

Washington August 18, 2022 – The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health warning over concerns that certain ground beef products may be contaminated. coli O157:H7. A recall is not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

“Hawaii Big Island Beef” brand ground beef products were introduced on August 8, 2022. The following products are subject to public health warnings. [view labels]:

• 1 lb. “Ground Beef (80) Fine 1#/pkg” in vacuum sealed packages labeled “Packed 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” and record code “134R1”.
• 1 lb. “Ground Beef (Ln) Fine 1#/pkg” vacuum sealed packages labeled “Packed 08/08/22” and labeled “Lot 220808” and record code “135R1”.
• 2 lb. “Ground Beef (80) Fine 2#/pkg” vacuum sealed packages labeled “Packed 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” and record code “134R2”.
• 10-pound bags of “ground meat (80) good 10 # poly bag” with “packaged 08/08/22” and “lot 220808” on the tag and record code “0134P10”.
• 10-pound “Ground Beef (75) Fine 10# Vac Seal” vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Packed 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” with the label and record code “130R10”.
• 10-pound “Ground Beef (80) Fine 10# Vac Seal” vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Packed 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” with the label and record code “134R10”.
• 40-pound box containing four 10-pound boxes of “Ground Beef (80) Fine 10 #” labeled “Packed 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” and record code “0134”.

The products bear the establishment number “EST. 1063” in the USDA inspection mark. These items were shipped to retail and restaurant locations in Hawaii.

The problem was discovered by FSIS when a sample of the facility’s product records tested positive for the disease. coli O157:H7.

There are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.

Anyone who is concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider. coli O157:H7 is a deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (average 3-4 days) after exposure. Although most people recover within a week, some develop a kidney problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur in people of any age, but is more common in children under 5 years of age and adults. Easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised not to use them. These products must be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and recommends that they only eat cooked meat up to a temperature of 160F. It’s the only way to ensure ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill. Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of harmful bacteria. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Matt Fornoff, general manager of Hawaii Meat Producers LLC at (808) 776-1109.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat. Ask the USDA Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Eastern Time). Consumers can browse food safety messages at Ask the USDA Or send a question by email MPHotline@usda.gov. An online electronic consumer complaint tracking system is available 24 hours a day for consumers who wish to report problems with meat, poultry or egg products. https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.