| Earlier this week, I reported on 41,000 lbs of beef recalled by JBS Swift. The recall has expanded to an additional 380,000 lbs of beef. Two interesting points to note are: 1) Typically beef-E. coli outbreaks involve ground beef but this time it is primal and sub-primal cuts that are sold intact and used for steaks and roasts and 2) The beef was produced on April 21, 2009 and distributed nationally and internationally. So how much of this beef has been eaten already? And if you like eating your steak rare, maybe it's time to see how you like it well-done.
The last time I reported on this, no known illnesses were associated with this recall. Now the CDC believes there are at least 18 cases linked to this outbreak. And note that while the FDA stands to get a badly-needed food safety upgrade in the near future, this recall falls under the USDA, not the FDA. There seems to be no movement within Congress right now to make any changes at the USDA to address food safety. |
