Yesterday, Illinois meat producer Valley Meats recalled 96,000 pounds of beef for suspected E. coli contamination.
The USDA has classified the recall as "Class One"—meaning that the meat carries a particularly high risk to health if eaten.
The Ohio Department of Health first reported an outbreak of illness linked to the potentially deadly bacterium E. coli 0157:H7 to federal authorities on May 13, and clusters of illnesses have also been reported in Pennsylvania and Illinois, the department said in a news release. –CNN
E. coli is a dangerous bacterium which can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
The USDA’s website provides a complete list of the recalled products, which were packaged under a number of different labels, including the "Keep frozen", "J & B", "Klub", "Thick ‘n Savory" and "Ultimate" brand names. All 96,000 pounds of them were produced on March 10.
The sheer size and scope of this recall should open our eyes to the widespread damage to public health that factory farmed, mass-transported meat can cause in this country. Choosing locally and sustainably grown foods from sources you know and trust is better for your local economy and your health.
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