Nebraska-based company Skylark Meats has voluntarily recalled 111,040 pounds of frozen ground beef produced at its Omaha, Nebraska, plant on 10 September 2002.
A 3-pound package of frozen ground beef from the plant, produced on 10 September 2002 and pulled from retail was tested by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and found positive for the E. coli bacteria.
So far there have been no illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled product.
E. coli is a potentially deadly bacteria but it can be killed by the thorough cooking of meat. According to the USDA, consumers should cook meat to a safe temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
The recall involves 66,600 pounds of frozen ground beef, sold through a grocery chain and packaged individually in 3 pound packs, carrying the “Skylark 100% Pure Ground Beef” label, with a sell by date of 9/10/03, and 44,440 pounds of frozen ground beef that was destined for institutional use.
Skylark has already contacted customers and distributors to secure the product involved in the recall. Skylark has asked consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the product involved. If found, customers are urged to return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund. The recalled product was distributed nationwide.
