Salmonella outbreak triggers beef recall

 By David Liu

The FSIS posted a notice tonight to reminds food consumers that Beef Packers, Inc., a Fresno, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 22,723 pounds of ground beef products that may be linked to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning.

The beef products being recalled include 60 pound cases of "GRD Beef Fine 93/07 10/60." Each case carries the identifying case code W69363 with Use/Freeze by dates of 10/11/09.

The products subjects to the recall were produced on Sept 23, 2009 and distributed to a retail distribution center in Arizona. Because the products were re-packed, food consumers should check with their retailers to determine if the meat they purchased is affected by the recall.

The beef recall was triggered by a report by the Arizona Department of Health Services to notifies FSIS that illnesses from Salmonella Newport may be associated with ground beef products. The state agency and the ADHS determined that the association between the fresh ground beef products and two cases of salmonella illnesses reported in Arizona.

Food consumers who have any questions about the ground beef recall are advised to contact the company's Consumer Line at 877-435-4071.

Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Other symptoms may include chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

People with weak immune systems such as infants, the elderly and people with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy are at the highest risk for Salmonella infection.

The strain of Salmonella Newport is resistant to many medications.