Valley Meat Company E. coli Outbreak
An investigation by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) into a cluster of E. coli illnesses there has led Valley Meat Company of Modesto, CA to recall a million pounds of potentially contaminated beef products, mostly frozen. The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 8268” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a production code of 25709 through 01210. These products were produced between the dates of Oct. 2, 2009 through Jan. 12, 2010 and were distributed to retail outlets and institutional foodservice providers in California, Texas, Oregon, Arizona and internationally. A full list of recalled products is available on the FSIS website.
CDPH has identified 7 illnesses associated with the recall. The first symptom of E. coli infection is the onset of abdominal pain and severe cramps, followed within 24 hours by diarrhea, which may be bloody. This is hemorrhagic colitis, and it typically occurs within 2 to 5 days of ingestion of E. coli; however the incubation period—the time between the ingestion of E. coli bacteria and the onset of illness—may anywhere from 1 to 10 days. More information on symptoms and risks of E. coli infection are posted on about-ecoli.com
Anyone who suspects that they or a family member has been infected with E. coli should contact a health care practitioner immediately. Although there is no cure for E. coli infection, proper diagnosis and medical support is imperative. Contact Marler Clark at 866-770-2032 for more information.