Snow Creek Meat Processing Recalls Beef Trimmings
due to Possible E. coli Contamination

June 8, 2009 -- Snow Creek Meat Processing, a Seneca, South Carolina, establishment, is recalling approximately 75 pounds of fresh beef trim products that may be contaminated with E. coli the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

PREPARING GROUND BEEF FOR SAFE CONSUMPTION

Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Also wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot soapy water. Immediately clean spills.

Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods.

Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods.

Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160° F.

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

The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.

The products subject to recall include:

Various sizes of Cryovac bags of "BEEF TRIMMINGS, BEEF ITEM" packed in boxes. Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 20478" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a "Sell By" date of "06/02/09."

These fresh beef trim products were produced on June 2, 2009, and were distributed to retail establishments for further processing in North Carolina and South Carolina, including Amazing Savings.

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to company Owner Judy Tilson at (864) 972-1570.

Label, Snow Creek Meat Beef Trimmings

From U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

Snow Creek Meat Processing Recalls Beef Trimmings due to Possible E. coli Contamination

Snow Creek Meat Processing Recalls Beef Trimmings
due to Possible E. coli Contamination