Release Date: October 22, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Metro Health Issues Caution and Guidance Related to Beef Recall
Nearly 4,000 pounds of beef recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli
Metro Health reminds residents and local health care providers of important public health advice and guidance following the recall of nearly 4,000 pounds of beef sold locally during the past three weeks.
As part of an investigation being conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Culebra Meat Market located at 2800 Culebra Road is recalling three beef cuts it produced and distributed in the San Antonio area from October 2 through October 17. The meat is being recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause severe illness.
Products included in the recall are beef stew meat, carne asada and ground beef, which were sold to some local restaurants and mobile vendors. The beef was also sold at the Culebra Road location. Anyone who purchased or received these three products during the dates listed is advised to throw away the meat or return it to the store. Cooking the beef, regardless of internal temperature, is not recommended.
Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness include bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and sometimes a low fever. People with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms typically occur two to nine days after
exposure. Infection can lead to serious kidney damage or death. Most healthy adults recover in five to 10 days, but children under age 5 and the elderly are more likely to develop a severe illness.
Health care providers are reminded that two of the potential outcomes of being infected with E. coli O157:H7 are reportable conditions. Any health care provider who diagnoses a patient with E. coli, enterohemorrhagic or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) should report the condition to Metro Health. Infectious diseases can be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 207-5777 or 207-8876. Disease reports also can be faxed to 207-8807 at any time. The reports and additional information are available on Metro Health’s website.
Click here for more information about the recall.
