Dallas increases inspections at food establishments in response to E. coli health alert

Dallas, TX – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for approximately 14,800 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 – that were produced by Texas American Food Service Corporation based in Fort Worth , Texas. The company does business under the name American Fresh Foods. This public health alert was initiated December 27 after a trailer containing the products was reported stolen by the company on December 19. The trailer was recovered near Lake June Road and Highway 175 in Dallas on December 27.

In response, increased inspections are occurring at food establishments by the City of Dallas Environmental and Health Services Department and the USDA FSIS. City of Dallas staff is also issuing the attached flyer to area businesses.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food borne illness. No illnesses have been reported. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a physician.

Consumers should check for these products in their homes and should NOT eat these products. Immediately contact the company if unopened packages are found. Do NOT throw them away intact. Opened packages should be destroyed and immediately reported to the company at the number below.

Additional information on the affected products is available on the USDA website, www.fsis.usda.gov

Consumers and media with questions about the public health alert should contact the company’s consumer toll-free hotline at 1-800-724-1136.

Health alert issued after trailer of beef stolen

Hamburger could be tainted with E. coli

A public health alert has been issued for a large quantity of missing ground beef products that may be contaminated with the potentially deadly E. coli bacteria. LABEL EXAMPLES:

Symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 illness, the strain associated with the alert, include potentially severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and dehydration. Children, the elderly and people with poor immune systems are most vulnerable.

The USDA’s public health alert covers ground beef products packaged for consumer use carrying the establishment number ”EST. 13116” on the package labels. Bulk products carry labels bearing the establishment number “EST. 13116.” The ground beef was produced on December 19.