Meat processor recalls 235 tons of ground beef

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (CNN) -- Approximately 235 tons of ground beef are being recalled because the meat may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, its manufacturer said.

Emmpak Foods, Inc. said the beef was produced on March 6 and shipped in bulk sizes to wholesale and retail distributors in 18 states. The fine-ground beef sold to retail stores was distributed in 5-pound cases in Illinois, Mississippi, and Wisconsin under the name Peck Meat Packaging.

The packages bear a sell-by date of 3-22-0, with the establishment number 20654 inside the USDA seal of inspection.

To date, Emmpak said, none of the beef had been linked to any illness, and production tests showed no contamination. But the company said it imposed the voluntary recall as a precaution after a test by the Department of Agriculture came up positive for E. coli.

"Food safety is a number-one priority at Emmpak Foods," said Justin Segel, the company's president and chief executive.

Emmpak said it had notified all customers that may be affected by the recall, and has asked them to return the product.

The company reminded consumers to cook all beef to 160 degrees Fahrenheit or make sure all juices run clear before eating. It also said customers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw foods and chill all foods properly to avoid any possible bacterial contamination.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration.

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