Kansas-based National Beef Packing Company recalled about 50,000 pounds of ground beef Wednesday in its second contaminated food incident this summer.
Though there have been no reported illnesses, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium often found in raw meat and prepackaged greens.
The voluntary recall was for NatureSource Natural Beef, Naturewell Natural Beef, and National Beef commodity ground beef,
according to a statement on the company's website.
Latest: Do You Support Giving Illegals Citizenship? Vote Here Now
The product carries the USDA mark of inspection, bearing the establishment number "EST. 208A." The possibility of contamination was
raised in a routine Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection, CNN reported.
The tainted meat was produced on July 18 and has a use by/freeze by date of August 7. It was shipped to retailers, wholesalers, and food service distributors across the country, but it's not clear if the beef made it to store shelves before the recall.
"We are working closely with authorities to investigate this matter and are contacting our customers who have purchased this product," National Beef Packing said in the statement.
The same company also
issued a recall for more than 22,000 pounds of beef in June after an E. coli scare.
E. coli O157:H7 can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
Urgent: Should Obamacare be Repealed? Vote Here Now
Related stories:
Costco Organic Frozen Berry Mix Recalled, Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak
Natura Pet Products Expands Salmonella Recall of Pet Foods
Lean Cuisine Ravioli Recalled by Nestle After Glass Found in 3 Dishes