Congressional and Public Affairs
Matt Baun (202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2002—Montana Quality Foods and Processing, a Miles City, Mont., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 270 pounds of fresh ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products subject to recall are packaged in boxes of various weight and sizes. Each box is labeled "GENERAL CUSTER BRAND MEATS. ESTABLISHED 1946." Each box contains case codes of "23-1," "23-2," "23-3," or "23-4." The establishment code "EST. 7679" is located inside the USDA seal of inspection. Each box contains 10 pound bags. Each bag bears the label "Ground Beef," and the company name and "EST. 7679."

The ground beef was produced on Jan. 23, 2002 and distributed to restaurants in Miles City, Forsyth, Colstrip and Ashland, Montana.

"Because of the potential for serious foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said Margaret O’K. Glavin acting FSIS administrator. "Diners in Montana should ask if meals made with ground beef contain the recalled product."

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact John Munsell, company president, at (406) 232-0689.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov

Although the product being recalled should be returned to the place of purchase, consumers preparing other ground beef products should heed the following advice.

Consumers should only eat ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe temperature of 160 ºF. When a ground beef patty is cooked to 160 ºF throughout, it can be safe and juicy, regardless of color.

The only way to be sure a ground beef patty is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use an accurate digital instant-read thermometer.

Color is not a reliable indicator that ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7.

Eating a pink or red ground beef patty without first verifying that the safe temperature of 160 ºF has been reached is a significant risk factor for foodborne illness.

Thermometer use to ensure proper cooking temperature is especially important for those who cook or serve ground beef patties to people most at risk for foodborne illness because E. coli O157:H7 can lead to serious illness or even death. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.

Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.