USDA Expands Ground Beef Recall for E. Coli

David Rowell

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The USDA recently announced an expanded recall of certain ground beef products due to possible contamination with E. coli bacteria. The recall concerns 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef produced by Topps Meat Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey.

This is an expansion of a recall originally announced on September 25, 2007. The USDA issued the expanded recall because the New York Health Department identified an additional case of contamination. At this time, 25 cases of illness are under investigation.

The frozen ground beef was distributed to food service establishments in the New York area, and to retail establishments nationwide, where it is sold under various names including "Kohler Foods Hamburger," "Sam's Choice Backyard Gourmet Beef" and others.

Under the laws of most states, the contaminated beef would be considered a dangerous or defective product, and consumers who ingest the contaminated beef and become ill would have a claim for damages for personal injury.

Consumers with questions about the recall are advised to contact Topps at 888-734-0451, or the USDA at 888-674-6854. Consumers can also contact the USDA's virtual representative "Ask Karen" at AskKaren.gov. The USDA also maintains a website at www.fsis.usda.gov where additional information can be obtailned.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.