Certain restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Michigan, received McNees Meats ground beef tainted with E. coli O157:NM -- a shiga-toxin producing type of E. coli that can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS-TTP).
McNees Meats in North Branch is recalling a ton of ground beef sold to restaurants and directly to consumers from its own retail location. The product has been linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:NM that has sickened at least five people. In addition, the ground beef is the probable cause of four other illnesses. This McNees ground beef E. coli outbreak is under investigation in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella and Sanilac counties of Michigan. A public health alert has been issued.
The illnesses were reported from July 18 to 30 and affected people ages 15 to 88. Two-thirds of the individuals affected were hospitalized -- a high percentage for an outbreak of Shiga Toxin E. coli. It is believed that the contaminated ground beef consumed by case patients was from restaurants supplied by McNees or purchased directly from the company.
The initial recall was for 360 pounds of ground beef products, but that was expanded to 2,200 pounds on August 11. The recall covers 1- and 10-pound bagged packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk,'' 1 to 1.5-pound packages of "McNees Ground beef patties,'' 1-pound packages of “McNees Ground Round'' and 1 and 2-pound packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags. Each product bag bears the establishment number "EST. 33971'' within the USDA mark of inspection.
Michigan health and agriculture officials first warned USDA of the E. coli outbreak on August 4.
As a result of the epidemiologic investigation, investigators determined there is a link between the ground beef products produced on July 15 and July 21.
Most people infected by E. coli get better within five to seven days. Initial symptoms often include painful cramps and bloody diarrhea. Children under 5 years of age, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are more likely to develop severe or even life-threatening illness, such as HUS or TTP. Persons who are ill with symptoms and have consumed ground beef recently should consult with their medical provider and ask about being tested for an E. coli infection.
For answers to legal questions pertaining to possible
McNees E. coli litigation, contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, a leading national firm in the area of foodborne illness. An
E. coli lawyer with direct experience in ground beef
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