CDC Press Release Update of Oct 4: Multistate Outbreak of E. Coli 0157 Infections
E. Coli Has Now Been Positively Linked to Topp's Brand Ground Beef
On September 29, the USDA issued several recalls of 21.7 million pounds of frozen beef patties. On Oct. 4, the CDC issued an update.
The CDC and the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service along with several state health departs are investigating outbreaks of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 infections.According to the press release, persons in several different states are reported to have this infection and the common link is the Topp's Brand frozen ground beef patties. State health officials have found the ground beef patties in the patient's homes and the state public health departments and federal labs have tested the samples. The New York State Wadsworth Center Laboratory and a USDA-FSIS laboratory has tested both opened and un-opened packages of the Topp's brand and found the E. coli 0157 "isolates with several different DNA fingerprint patterns".
The investigators then compared the DNA fingerprint patterns with strains taken from the people who have the infections. As of 12 PM on October 3, 29 cases matched at least one of the patterns of E. coli found in the Topp's brand beef patties. People in 8 states have become ill. The states are: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The infections first began to be reported July 5, 2007 and were still being reported by September 11, 2007. One patient has developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome which is a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported, but numerous people have been hospitalized. The ages of the patients vary from age 3 to 77 years old.
Consumers who have the Topp's brand of Ground Beef in their freezer should discard it or return it to the place of purchase, according to the press release. Each recalled package is stamped with the establishment number "EST. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection. It has a sell-by date between
" Sep 25 07" and "Sep 25 08".
The Press Release reiterates the fact that any raw ground beef can contain disease-causing germs and re-enforces that these rules for handling and preparing the beef should be observed:
!) Use a food thermometer and cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
2)Clean, separate, cook and chill.
More information on the recalled products can be found by contacting the USDA-FSIS at "Ask Karen" on-line at www.AskKaren.gov or by calling the Meat and Poultry Hot-line at 1-888-MPHot-line (674-6854).
Information on the recalled products can also be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/040_2007_Expanded_Recall.pdf (PDF - 5 pages) and
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/040-2007_SP.pdf (Spanish language version, PDF - 6 pages).
Published by Elena H
Experienced Web Writer, Voracious Reader, Christian, Happily Married Wife for 46 yrs, Proud Mom of 2 Adult Sons, Mimi to 3 Wonderful Granddaughters, Great Mother-in-Law, Care-taker of Elderly Mom View profile
- Get TV Stations to Notice Your Press ReleaseAdvice on getting your press release noticed from someone who deals with them daily.
- E. Coli Scare- Learn How to Protect Yourself From ItE.Coli has shown to make dozens ill in several different regions. Learn what causes the bacteria as well as how to protect yourself from getting ill.
- Symptoms of E. Coli Infection and Preventative InformationE. Coli is a bacteria which can cause serious digestive and kidney problems. Find out what the symptoms are of infection and how to prevent contamination.
Bagged Salad: E. Coli ThreatDole bagged lettuce in the Midwest has been found to be contaminated with E. Coli bacteria.
All About E. Coli: Avoidance, Symptoms and TreatmentsOne of the most feared food illnesses is E. Coli. Here are some common sources, and how to lower your chances of ingesting it.
- Your First Press Release
- What's in a Press Release?
- Promote Your Small Business with a Press Release
- Media Relations 101: How to Write a Good Press Release
- The Good and Bad of E. Coli
- The Effects of E. Coli
- Press Release Writing for Ebook Publicity
17 Comments
Post a CommentE-coli is being spread here in Mass. because many of us here have some form of Morgellons, wich I have reported to you and the Board of Health since 2000. Shame on the CDC for not listening. Many people are admitted to Jordan Hospital, I have reported that each and every case with e-coli has been linked to me or one of my family members. I and my children have had cellulitus and fungal infections of the skin, the kidneys, the eyes, the vagina, the scalp, the gums. Why arent you listening? Why isnt anyone in this town listening. We got it from birds living in the walls of our apartment. MITES. DEAD birds in our cellar every other day. The CDC says to report dead birds. I did. You didnt care. Noone cares right now except the people who suffer. Another case is the woman who lives in dirty apartment still!! She was my neighbor until I moved out. She has had huge granulomas removed The ENT here in Plymouth, it was sent to 3 hospitals becuase noone knew what it was. Turned out a strange case
The continuing problems with beef and e-coli make this article very timely. Well done
Thanks for doing an article on this! I have been wondering about the details. Great work!
Good information. Glad I haven't been exposed to the stuff.
Very valuable information. Thanks for sharing.
Great recap of what happened!
I only heard a little about this..thank you for writing this article on the subject..I don't buy "boxed" meat..but all "beef" should be handled carefully..scary stuff...
Excellent article
many thanks for this most useful information....
Nice job, Elena! :>)