Barely days after New Jersey-based Topps Meat Company recalled 21.7 million pounds of E. Coli-contaminated ground beef, Cargill Inc. is doing the same, recalling 840,000 pounds of ground beef patties distributed at Sam’s Club stores across the country, which they say are contaminated with E. Coli bacteria. According to an article posted in The State , the recall came after four Minnesota children were sickened by the bacteria after consuming the tainted products.
Two of the children who became ill as a result of the contaminated beef had to be hospitalized, and one still remains in the hospital, according to the news report. All the children became ill between Sept. 10 and Sept. 20, the article stated. The recalled packages were reportedly manufactured on Aug. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 and bear the number “Est. 924A” inside the USDA inspection mark. Also, a majority of the contaminated products were the American Chef’s Selection Angus Beef Patties.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control , E. Coli is a leading cause of food-borne illnesses, causing about 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths each year in the United States. Common symptoms include cramping and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, kidney failure could occur. The most common way of getting infected with E.Coli is by eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef, the federal agency says. Recently, leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce have also been contaminated by the bacteria.
Cargill is reportedly working with different health agencies to determine the scope of this contamination and is also trying to pinpoint the source of the bacteria. Health officials traced the tainted patties to one of the company’s ground beef facilities in Butler, Wis. To find out what specific products have been recalled, visit Cargill’s Web site.
Food safety has become a significant issue in our country over the last few years. The issue has been complicated by the large volumes of food that we import from other countries, which are rarely inspected. Often, it is someone’s negligence that causes a food-borne illness, whether it is in a processing facility, a school cafeteria or a restaurant. At the Louthian Law Firm, we can help evaluate your case. If you or a loved one has been sickened because of someone else’s negligence, our experienced South Carolina food borne illness attorneys can help protect your legal rights. Call us for a free consultation.