Federal and state health officials continue to investigate an E. coli outbreak affecting a number of states including Kentucky. The most recent beef recall pertains to meat going to institutions.
Grant Park Packing in Franklin Park, Illinois is recalling more than 53,000 pounds of raw ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli. The items were shipped to Minnesota for further distribution and to Kentucky for institutional use. Buck McKay with USDA Food Safety said government institutions like state prisons could have received the raw meat. He said the specific end points for the distribution are still being determined.
McKay said the Grant Park Packing firm is being investigated in connection with the E. coli outbreak, but is not the sole focus.
Barbara Fox with Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services said there are currently 65 confirmed E. coli cases tied to this outbreak.
Here is a mapof recorded cases.
Here is some specific information about the tainted beef from the CDC.
The bulk raw ground beef was produced on October 30-31, 2018 and November 1, 2018. The following products are subject to recall:
- 40-lb. bulk cardboard boxes of “North Star Imports & Sales, LLC. 100% GROUND BEEF BULK 80% LEAN/ 20% FAT” marked “FOR INSTITUTIONAL USE ONLY” with lot code GP.1051.18 and pack dates 10/30/2018, 10/31/2018, and 11/01/2018.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 21781” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Minnesota for further distribution and Kentucky for institutional use.
