Food Poisoning Law Blog : Food Poisoning Lawyer & Attorney : PritzkerLaw : Food Safety, Outbreaks & Recalls

Massachusetts health officials have associated a case of human E. coli O157:H7 infection with contaminated ground beef products recalled by Adams Farm Slaughterhouse LLC of Athol, Massachusetts.

This is the third ground beef E. coli recall to directly affect Massachusetts since late October.

The latest Class I High Health Risk recall issued late Monday by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the 2,574 pounds of potentially tainted "beef cuts and ground" under recall were distributed to private owners on three separate Massachusetts farms: Mazzarese, Side Hill Farm and Sweet Water Farm.

This Mass. farm E. coli beef recall was initiated after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed a positive ground beef sample for E. coli O157:H7 as part of an epidemiological investigation. The probe is continuing.

State and federal health officials urge anyone who has signs of food poisoning to immediately contact a physician. For answers to legal questions about this outbreak or others and to obtain a free case consultation, contact an E. coli lawyer at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen. Call toll free at 1-888-377-8900 or complete our contact and information form.

According to the official recall notice, the recalled packages all are marked with packaging dates of 11/11/2009 and the USDA establishment number EST 5497. 

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today confirms another E. coli case linked to ground beef.  This new case brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 7.  Investigators found that the seven individuals had eaten ground beef purchased from Whole Foods Markets in July.  The Department of Public Health has since warned consumers not to eat ground beef purchased from Whole Foods Market stores between June 2 and August 6.  The warning applies to all ground beef and ground beef patties from the meat counter and prepackaged in meat coolers.

Interestingly enough, health officials believe these cases are connected with the nationwide recall of ground beef from Nebraska Beef. The beef products have already been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, but Whole Foods Markets purchased some of the affected products from Nebraska Beef (Coleman brand name).  Officials are looking into why Whole Foods Market sold the products after the recall had been issued. Whole Foods Market has since removed all beef products purchased from Nebraska Beef from store shelves.

E. coli can cause serious symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and can lead to kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS).  The Department of Public Health continues to warn all consumers to always cook ground beef properly in order to kill any possible bacteria. So far, 5 of the 7 confirmed cases of E. coli in Massachusetts have been hospitalized.  Below is more information on each of the cases.

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According to The Boston Channel, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is investigating six related cases of E. coli O157:H7. The source of contamination has not yet been identified, but officials think the cases may be linked to beef products.  At least five of the ill patients were hospitalized and reported becoming ill between July 10 and July 16.  Officials also say that the strain affecting the individuals seems to be the same strain affecting 20 patients from other states.  However, there is no information confirming a match among the six Massachusetts patients or those from other states at this time.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is working with the USDA to investigate the source of contamination. After working on the cases over the weekend, no source has been identified, but officials are primarily investigating ground beef, and will be collecting samples from several stores. The Department of Public Health is reminding the public to consume only ground beef that is fully cooked (to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit).  E. coli O157:H7 can cause a variety of symptoms and can lead to a deadly type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

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