The Department of Agriculture has issued an alert about beef products imported from Ontario, Canada to several states, after the manufacturer issued a recall over possible E. coli contamination.
The products, made by Ryding-Regency Meat Packers, Ltd., were distributed to retailers and wholesalers in Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
While it’s possible some consumers have purchased the affected products, it’s more likely restaurants have the meat in their freezers, due to the size of the packages. But the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service unit worries some consumers might have bought them in bulk.
All totaled, seven products were recalled:
- 10-lb. cardboard box packages containing bulk plastic wrapped raw frozen ground beef gyros labeled “Devanco Foods Chicago’s Favorite Gyro Slices (Strips)” with a case code 159 19.
- 10-lb. cardboard box packages containing bulk plastic wrapped raw frozen ground beef gyros labeled “Kronos Halal Gyros Strips* Halal Certified Beef Gyros Uncooked, IQF Strips” with a case code 19 159.
- Retail sized (8 patties) cardboard box packages containing “Ziyad Premium Quality Beef Hamburger Patties” with a case code 911541.021541.
- Retail sized (8 kabobs) cardboard box packages containing “Ziyad Premium Quality Uncooked Kufta Kabob” with a case code 911154.021154.
- 8-lb. cardboard box packages containing bulk plastic wrapped raw frozen ground beef patties labeled “Shop Right 100% Pure Quarter Pound Ground Beef Hamburgers” and a sell by date of 060720.
- 3-lb. cardboard box packages containing plastic wrapped raw frozen ground beef patties labeled “Shop Right 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers” and a sell by date of 060720.
- 2-lb. cardboard box packages containing plastic wrapped raw frozen ground beef patties labeled “Landis Brand 100% All Beef Patties 8 Quarter Pound Patties” and a sell by date of 060720.
E coli. is a potentially deadly bacteria. People infected can expect symptoms that include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (though 3–4 days is the average).
It’s been a few months since beef providers were forced to make a notable recall. In May, Aurora Packing Company recalled 31 tons of beef due to E coli. fears. April, a JBS plant recalled 21 tons amid reports that pieces of hard plastic were mixed in among the meat. And in March, Washington Beef had to recall 30,000 pounds after learning of a possible contamination.
