In a previous post, there have been 46 confirmed cases of E. coli in Kentucky. Since then, that number has increased to 65 cases reported in Kentucky, along with 41 in Tennessee, 33 more in Georgia, and other cases in Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Virginia, and Illinois.
In total, 156 people in 10 states have been infected with E. coli after consuming contaminated ground beef in their homes or in restaurants since the start of March. Fortunately, there have been no deaths.
Two meat packers have issued recalls on ground beef due to the outbreak. Consumers are ordered to return these meats to the store where they bought them or safely dispose of them.
The following companies have issued recalls:
- Grant park Packing (Franklin Park, IL) – 53,200 pounds of raw ground beef products packaged and sold in 40-pound cardboard boxes labeled “North Star Imports & Sales, LLC. 100% GROUND BEEF BULK 80% LEAN/20% FAT” are affected. These products were marked “FOR INSTITUIONAL USE ONLY” with lot code GP.1051.18 and pack dates 10/30/2018, 10/31/2018 and 11/01/2018.
- K2D Foods a.k.a. Colorado Premium Foods (Carrollton, GA) – over 113,400 pounds of raw ground beef products packaged and sold in 24-pound vacuum-packed boxes are affected. These packages contained “GROUND BEEF PUCK” with “Use Thru” dates of 4/14/19, 4/17/19, 4/20/19, 4/23/19, 4/28/19 and 4/30/19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has investigated the matter since March 28, when the agency was alerted about the outbreak in Kentucky and Georgia. However, officials have yet to find the source of the tainted meat that was supplied to restaurants and grocery stores.
When infected with E. coli, a person can fall ill two to eight days after consuming the bacteria. There are some cases that result in kidney failure.
The CDC said that many of the infected individuals had purchased large chubs or trays of ground beef from markets and used it to make Sloppy Joes, spaghetti sauce, and other dishes. Although there has been no warning for consumers to avoid consuming ground bee, for the time being, both consumers and retailers should safely handle ground beef and ensure it is cooked thoroughly to kill any foodborne bacteria.
For more information, please go to the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/o103-04-19/index.html. Attorney Brett Oppenheimer is currently investigating the most recent E. coli outbreak in Kentucky. Companies responsible for distributing and supplying food must adhere to food safety standards and regulations. If these standards are ignored or compromised, these companies may be held accountable. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with E. coli please call Brett Oppenheimer, (502) 242-8877 or fill out the contact form on this website.