August 30, 2001 Posted: 1942 GMT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- IBP Inc., the nation's top beef processor, said Thursday it recalled about 500,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with a potentially deadly bacteria, but said no illnesses had been reported from the meat.
The incident was the second major recall by a beef company for E. coli this week, coming at a time when Americans prepare for barbecues to celebrate the Labor Day holiday this weekend.
IBP (IBP: down $0.17 to $24.38, Research, Estimates) spokesman Gary Mickelson said no illnesses had been reported or linked to the meat.
The company recalled all ground beef products made Aug. 7 at its Dakota City, Neb., plant, he said. The recall was launched after a routine ground beef sample taken by the U.S. Agriculture Department tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.
That variety of E.coli ranks as one of the deadliest forms of food poisoning. It can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure in young children, the elderly, and others with weak immune systems.
IBP, which is being acquired by Tyson Foods Inc (TSN: down $0.08 to $10.30, Research, Estimates), said wholesale distributors and retailers in 36 U.S. states and the District of Columbia were contacted and asked to return any remaining beef. Much of the meat was distributed in five- and 10-pound tubes to grocers and restaurants, who repackaged and sold the meat to consumers.
"This means there is no brand name, product code or production lot numbers for consumers to check on meat they may have in their possession," IBP said in a statement. "Any concerned consumer may want to ask at the store where they buy their ground beef whether it received any of the recalled product."
The company said the action did not include any prepackaged fresh or frozen beef patties, or trays of ground beef.
Meat processor American Foods Group Inc. recalled 530,000 pounds of ground beef in 17 states Monday because of E. coli concerns. Many of its products were distributed through the No. 1 U.S. grocery chain, Kroger Co. (KR: up $0.08 to $26.43, Research, Estimates).
Tyson Foods said earlier this week it expects to complete its acquisition of IBP on Sept. 28 to create the world's largest meat company with annual revenue of about $25.7 billion.
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