Beef Recall Encompasses 21
States And 19 Million Pounds

GREELEY, Colo. — A recall of ground beef suspected of being contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 that caused illnesses in 18 people is being expanded to 19 million pounds and 21 states, says officials with the U.S. Agriculture Department. The beef recall involves product produced at the ConAgra Beef Co. plant here.

Eighteen people became ill after consuming the contaminated beef, people living in Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. The recall is an expansion of the June 30 voluntary recall of 354,200 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products. Friday's voluntary action was taken following a scientific and technical review of plant practices and company records by USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service. The investigation indicated that product destined to become ground beef that was produced at the Greeley plant had a heightened possibility of containing E. coli O157:H7.

The Centers for Disease Control has documented multiple cases of illness connected to ConAgra beef that was the subject of the June 30 recall.

"Our highest priority is protecting the public's health and safety," said William Hudnall, acting administrator of FSIS. "Today's precautionary action is an additional measure to ensure this priority is carried out."

The labels on all products subject to the recall bear the establishment code EST. 969 inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The following ground beef products subject to the expanded recall were produced on approximately 28 production days from April 12 to June 29. Each product bears on its label a pack date from APR 12 through JUN 29.

Also subject to the recall expansion are some beef trim products produced on about 34 production days from April 12 through July 11. Each product bears on its label a pack date from APR 12 through JUL 11.

A complete list of recalled products is available on the FSIS web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/newsrls.htm.