A Fresno, California company is recalling over 800,000 pounds of ground beef that may be linked to a salmonella outbreak, according to a report published on the Los Angeles Times’ websiteWhile salmonella is the most common of food-borne illnesses, discovery of a salmonella outbreak does not trigger an automatic recall. Instead, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends a recall, but it is up to the production company to actually do so. In this case, Beef Packers Inc. ordered the recall.
The meat was sold in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. However the meat was sold under different brands names, so individuals are recommended to check with their retailer to ensure they are not buying ground beef that has been recalled.
Salmonella can be very dangerous to those with weakened immune systems. The discovery of the outbreak of salmonella by the Colorado Department of Public Health helped identify the link between the illness and ground beef. People in nine states have reportedly gotten sick from the outbreak.
In reaction to growing concern over food safety, and the recommendations developed by
the administration’s Food Safety Working Group, the House of Representatives recently
passed, what some consider controversial, the Food Safety and Enhancement Act. This
legislation gives the federal government more authority over production standards and facility regulations and fees, as well as the ability to issue recalls and quarantine areas where there is a food-borne pathogen outbreak.
Salmonella can be very dangerous to those with weakened immune systems. The discovery of the outbreak of salmonella by the Colorado Department of Public Health helped identify the link between the illness and ground beef. People in nine states have reportedly gotten sick from the outbreak.
In reaction to growing concern over food safety, and the recommendations developed by
the administration’s Food Safety Working Group, the House of Representatives recently
passed, what some consider controversial, the Food Safety and Enhancement Act. This
legislation gives the federal government more authority over production standards and facility regulations and fees, as well as the ability to issue recalls and quarantine areas where there is a food-borne pathogen outbreak.
The Senate has yet to take up the legislation, but may do so upon returning from their summer recess.
To read previous posts on the legislation and food safety issues, click here.
To read the Los Angeles Times article on the recall click here.
To read the Los Angeles Times article on the recall click here.
Posted: 08/07/09; Updated: 08/09/09
