Reuters is reporting that a New Hampshire resident has reportedly passed away after consuming ground beef that was recently recalled for fear it was tainted by E.coli 0157:H7 bacteria. The bacteria was discovered during an investigation by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) over a cluster of food-borne illnesses in New England.So far, Fairbank Farms, of Ashville, New York has recalled 545,699 lbs of ground beef products. The beef was recalled on Saturday (product recalls are conducted voluntarily by the companies). The beef was likely produced around mid-September and was likely labeled for sale before the end of the month, according to the USDA.
Retailers in eight states received the products. These retailers include Trader Joes, Price Chopper, Lancaster and Wild Harvest, Shaw’s, BJ’s, Ford Brothers and Giant. The Boston Globe is reporting that another two New Hampshire residents were sickened by the bacteria.
Beef and other food recalls this year has prompted President Obama to create a special working group to deal with food safety. Additionally, the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration more authority over production methods on the farm as well as recall authority. The legislation has raised some concern among the agricultural community. As of yet the Senate has not moved on the legislation as that chamber is currently tied up in the health care debate and the potential upcoming debate on climate change legislation.
To read the Reuters article and see a complete list of products recalled click here.
Posted: 11/02/09
