ConAgra Recalls 19 Million Pounds of Beef

July 22, 2002

ConAgra Beef Company, Greeley, CO, is recalling approximately 19 million pounds of beef trim and fresh and frozen ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The announcement came Friday from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The recall is an expansion of the June 30 voluntary recall of 354,200 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products.

The latest voluntary action was taken following a scientific and technical review of plant practices and company records by FSIS. The investigation indicated that product destined to become ground beef that was produced at the Greeley plant had a heightened possibility of containing E. coli O157:H7.

Multiple illnesses connected to the June 30 recall have been documented by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). "Our highest priority is protecting the public's health and safety," said William Hudnall, acting administrator of the FSIS. "(This) precautionary action is an additional measure to ensure this priority is carried out."

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said when USDA heard about the illnesses connected with the June 30 recall, additional food safety scientists and other experts were dispatched to the ConAgra facility.

"USDA's investigation at this particular meat processing facility is ongoing," Veneman said. "Our goal is to determine what happened and to ensure the public health and safety. And, we will continue to act swiftly and responsibly to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply for consumers."

American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle noted that "millions of pounds of ground beef" are consumed every day without incident. "It is important to be clear: USDA did not say that the recalled product contains E. coli O157:H7 but noted that it did not have evidence to prove that meat does not contain harmful bacteria and opted to recall the product. It is likely, in fact, that most of this product has already been safely consumed," Boyle added.

Scientific groups have stated "unequivocally" that no amount of microbiological testing can ensure that ground beef is pathogen free, he added, because tests provide definitive information about only the small 325-gram sample that is tested -- not the other meat manufactured along with it. "In fact, E. coli O157:H7 can be found on one side of hamburger patty, but not on the other: it is just that elusive."