The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert amid concerns that ground beef products from Hawaii Big Island Beef may be adulterated with E. coli O157:H7.
A recall was not requested as the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ fridges or freezers.
The issue was discovered by FSIS during an evaluation of the facility’s production records related to a sample that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.
These items were shipped to retail and restaurant locations in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Big Island Beef branded ground beef products were manufactured on August 8, 2022.
The following products are subject to the public health alert:
- 1 pound. vacuum sealed packages of “Ground Beef (80) fine 1#/pkg” with “Packaged 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” on the label and carton code “134R1”.
- 1 pound. vacuum sealed packages of “Minced Beef (Ln) Fine 1#/Pkg” with “Packaged 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” on the label and carton code “135R1”.
- 2 pounds. vacuum sealed packages of “Ground Beef (80) fine 2#/pkg” with “Packaged 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” on the label and carton code “134R2”.
- 10 pounds. Bag of “Ground Beef (80) Fine 10# Poly Bag” with “Packed 08/08/22” and “Charge 220808” on the label and the carton code “0134P10”.
- 10 pounds. vacuum sealed packages with “Mince (75) Fine 10# Vac Seal” with “Packaged 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” on the label and carton code “130R10”.
- 10 pounds. vacuum sealed packages with “Ground Beef (80) Fine 10# Vac Seal” with “Packed 08/08/22” and “Lot 220808” on the label and carton code “134R10”.
- 40 pounds. Carton of four 10lb Ground Beef (80) Fine 10# chubs labeled Packed 08/08/22 and Lot 220808 and carton code ‘0134’.
The products bear the company number “EST. 1063” within the USDA control mark.
At the time of publishing this recall, there have been no confirmed reports of side effects from consuming these products.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be discarded or returned to the point of sale.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has developed symptoms of E. coli infection should see a doctor right away. Specific tests are needed to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other diseases.
Symptoms of E. coli infection are different for everyone, but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop serious or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of patients diagnosed with E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, severe tiredness, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruising or bleeding, and paleness.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some experience permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but is most common in children under the age of five due to their immature immune systems, in older adults due to a deteriorating immune system, in pregnant women, and in people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People experiencing HUS symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately. People with HUS are likely to be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems, such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.
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