Death Reported in U.S. Meat Recall

ECOLI-USA/MEAT

* One dead in New Hampshire from beef with E. coli

* Two others in the state sickened

* Illness connected to recalled of Fairbank Farms beef

WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - A New Hampshire resident reportedly died after consuming ground beef that may have been tainted by bacteria that can cause diarrhea, dehydration and kidney failure.

The death was connected to the recall of 545,699 lbs (248,450 kg) of ground beef products by Fairbank Farms, of Ashville, New York. The U.S. Agriculture Department said it became aware the meat might be tainted by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria during an investigation of a cluster of food-borne illnesses in New England.

A string of food-borne safety scares led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation this summer to require more inspections and oversight of food manufacturers and would give the government new authority to order recalls.

New Hampshire health officials announced the death on Saturday but did not release information about the victim. Two other New Hampshire residents were sickened by E. coli, said the Boston Globe on its website.
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Death Reported in U.S. Meat Recall

Beef recall affecting Pa., N.J. expanded

Consumers from North Carolina to Maine are being advised to check their freezers for ground beef, including meatloaf or meatball mix, possibly related to a death in New Hampshire and illnesses in other states.

A recall of more than a half-million-pounds of ground beef was issued Friday by its producer, Fairbank Farms of Ashville, N.Y.

The packages were sold under a variety of brand names, ranging from Acme Markets' Lancaster Brand Ground Beef and Extra Lean Ground Beef to Giant Food Stores Meatloaf and Meatball Mix to Trader Joe's Butcher Shop Fine Quality Meats Ground Beef. (See full list below.)

Consumers are advised to look for packages with sell-by dates of Sept. 19 through Sept. 28. The number "EST. 492" would also be inside the USDA inspection mark or on the nutrition label.

"Consumers who identify these products should return them to the point of purchase for a full refund," said Ron Allen, Fairbank Farms CEO.

The concern is that the meat may have been tainted with a harmful strain of e. coli. Ground beef should always be cooked thoroughly - to an internal temperature of 160 degrees or more - to kill any bacteria mixed in by the grinding process.

Originally, the recall applied to eight states - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Massachusetts and North Carolina.

Because some of the food chains may have redistributed packages, Fairbank Farms has expanded the range to include all Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.
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Beef recall affecting Pa., N.J. expanded