Chicago Ground Beef Recall Expanded

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  - A Chicago company has expanded a food recall to include an additional 580 pounds of ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.
 
Columbus Meat, 906 W. Randolph, took the action after state inspectors discovered the same batch of contaminated source material was used to produce patties on more than one day.  As a result, patties with lot numbers 361361, 361362 and 361364 that were produced on Dec. 29, Dec. 30, Dec. 31 and Jan. 3 have been added to the recall, which also includes 200 pounds of ground beef made on Dec. 27. 

The labels on each package of suspect patties bear an inspection legend shaped like the state of Illinois that contains the establishment number "775."  It is believed the patties were distributed in the Chicago area to food-handling establishments such as restaurants and grocery stores.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.  However, IDOA and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Media and consumer inquiries regarding the recall should be directed to Columbus Meat Market Inc. at (312) 829-2480.