Nebraska firm recalls beef that may be contaminated with E. coli

Approximately 1.2 million pounds of beef shipped by a Nebraska firm to establishments nationwide for further processing may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin informed consumers.

The shipping containers and product labels bear the establishment number “EST. 19336” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the brand “Coleman Natural.” However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number “EST. 19336” on products available for direct consumer purchase.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a strain USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says is associated with a foodborne illness outbreak investigation. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

The beef was produced June 17, June 24 and July 8, 2008 and shipped from Nebraska Beef, Ltd., Omaha, Neb.  None has been found in Georgia.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Vice President of Administration James Timmerman at 402-733-0456.  Media with questions about the recall should contact company representative William Lamson at (402) 397-7300.

The problem was discovered through a (FSIS) joint investigation with state departments of health and agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FSIS.  To date, 31 cases in 12 states and Canada have been identified in the investigation.

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