JBS expands beef recall

GREELEY – JBS Swift Beef Co. in Greeley has expanded its recall of beef products that may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria at the Greeley meatpacking plant in late April.

Last week, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, JBS conducted a voluntary recall of 41,280 pounds of whole muscle cut beef products that may have been contaminated during their production on April 21 and 22. On June 28, the company voluntarily expanded that recall to include an additional 380,000 pounds of beef produced on April 21, according to a company press release.

The USDA said an investigation of 24 illnesses indicated that up to 18 may have been linked to the JBS incident.

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“While the product was distributed as whole muscle cuts, some of this product was likely further processed through trimming and grinding into ground beef by our customers,” the press release said. “According to USDA, some of this ground product might have been associated with illness.”

The meat was distributed to retailers and grocers in 13 states, including Colorado.

“Each of our customers will be personally informed of this recall by phone,” the statement said. “In addition, each customer will receive a more detailed letter which further describes our recall process.”

A complete list of recalled products is available on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Services web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/index.asp.

“We continue to work closely with the USDA to ensure that product is removed from the marketplace and the recall is completed successfully,´ said Chandler Keys, JBS spokesman. “It is important for customers to note that the recalled product from the date in question was sold by JBS as whole muscle cuts, not as ground beef. The ground beef that might have been associated with illness was produced by other companies who often do not use the antimicrobial intervention steps we employ in our facility to reduce the risk of the beef products.”

E. coli can cause severe diarrhea and can be fatal. Consumers who may be concerned about beef they purchased recently should contact their local retailer to determine if it is part of the recall. A consumer hotline has also been set up at 1-800-685-6328, option 1.