2 dead from tainted beef in New England
Image by flickr
The Center for Disease Control has issued warnings for people on the Eastern seaboard to watch out for a large shipment of recalled beef, as up to over a half a million pounds of ground beef have been found to be contaminated with E. coli. The infected beef was produced and shipped by Fairbanks Farms, of Ashville, New York. The company has issued a recall of almost 546,000 pounds of fresh ground beef; a recall this large costs more than a personal loan or two.
Up to 28 people may have been made ill
As of today, up to 28 people may have been sickened from eating said contaminated beef. 16 have been hospitalized and so far, 2 have died. Both fatalities had underlying conditions and complications which were instrumental in their passing. 18 of the suspected infections are in New England, and all but 3 are in the Northeast. The beef was distributed in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. It was sold in Trader Joe’s, Lancaster, Wild Harvest, Shaw’s, BJ’s, Ford Brothers and Giant stores. Consumers living in the Northeast are cautioned to find any packages bearing the label “EST. 492.” It won’t be sold as fresh any more, as the expiration dates were listed as at the end of September. Here is a link to a full list of products that contained the contaminated product.
E. Coli is a nasty bug – a paradoxical bacteria
E. Coli, or under the full title, Escherichia coli, is a common bacteria, and it’s one you already have – it’s kind of necessary. It’s one of the bacteria that lives in the human digestive tract, and you probably wouldn’t survive long without it. However, the strain that is endemic to humans isn’t the one endemic to cows. The bovine strain is toxic to humans, and uncooked or contaminated beef can cause havoc. The most common form that people get sick from is O157:H7 E. Coli (from Wikipedia) called the “hamburger” bacteria, as that’s the common source of infection. It can cause anything from gastroenteritis (the “stomach flu”) to bloody diarrhea, in severe cases, kidney failure and in 2 to 7% of cases, haemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure. The very young, very old, and the immune-compromised are more susceptible to this complication – as they are more susceptible to other diseases like influenza. E.coli can be acquired from meat, unpasteurized milk, swimming in contaminated water, or eating contaminated uncooked vegetables (it gets into the environment from the business end of a cow).
Typically, it resolves itself within a few days for most people. However, there are about 2,000 people hospitalized with it annually, and HUS complications from E.coli infections are responsible for about 60 deaths per year.
Those living in NE might want to check their freezer
People living in New England might be susceptible, so it’s suggested you check your freezer if you think you’re at risk. A hospital stay will cost you more than a cash advance worth, that’s for sure.
To answer my own question: Yes (based on subsequent research).
If the beef is properly cooked will it kill the E. Coli?
The USDA has a plan ready to go to protect you from all that unsafe beef and other meats, thing is, there are over 90% who oppose it (including me) and after you read how the plan will work perhaps you can see why so many oppose it…..
NAIS(National animal Identification System) requires that every single person who owns one livestock type animal, exotic fowl such as parakeets and fish, even if it is a pet, will join. (note-even though the UASDA claims NAIS is voluntary, the document says it is mandatory!)
I do not own cattle and am in no way connected to the beef/pork/chicken industry but because I own horses, I will be forced to be part of this plan, thereby working for free for big ag, and paying into the system with my time and money just so you and the world can enjoy "the appearance" of safe beef/pork/chicken…
Under NAIS I must—
1. register my premises with the government, even though this step clouds title to private property simply by the language used. A 15 digit gps/bar code type number goes with the property forever, even if at a later date, there are no animals are on it.
2. All my critters must be microchipped. Besides the costs of chips, vet calls, scanners and computer programs will be needed (more $) Factory farms like Cargill, do NOT have to do this, they get one lot number per group of animals. Any animal in that group could be diseased and who would know.
3. I report All births, deaths and movements reported into a database within 24 hours or face huge fines. This costs time and money and databases are often hacked into. Again factory farms have few reporting events, already what they do as part of business.
4. If animal disease is suspected in an area, the USDA can depopulate a 6 mile radius (140 sq. miles of dead healthy animals that never came in contact with the supposed sick animal). Testing for disease not necessary.
Don't you feel safer about what you eat because I told the govt everywhere I rode my horse, gave up my property rights and spent thousands of dollars in microchipping, report fees and technical equipment? Or do you think I am just plain crazy? Well I wish I were the crazy one but this program is what your govt thinks will keep our food supply safe. And they got one hatched that will track private gardens, also. (HR2749) even though we do not want nor need any of these programs.
NAIS is being pushed as an animal disease tracking program but it will not prevent animal disease nor ensure food safety since tracking stops at slaughter, after which is when food safety issues occur. How does my telling the government where and when I ride my horse insure the you and the Japanese are eating safe American beef?!?!?!
Rhode Island's Lincoln Middle School was the first to report this beef contamination outbreak. Apparently, 20 sixth graders and their chaperones returned from a three-day field trip to Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, MA. Each one had gastrointestinal illness. Two of the 20 students tested positive for E. Coli 0157 and have been admitted to the hospital. Sure enough, the hamburger patties at Camp Bournedale had the same strain of E. Coli 0157. E. Coli poisoning is a result of poor sanitation. Whether it’s the seller or processor, possible lawsuit claims are already in progress to uncover who is responsible for this outbreak.
Oh no! This is disturbing… What brought the bacteria in the ground beef anyways? Was it poor handling? Maybe somebody has to check on this… thanks.