News from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets

For more information contact: Jessica Chittenden, 518-457-3136

***Consumer Alert***

Expanded E. coli Alert in Ground Beef Hamburgers

ALBANY, NY (09/28/2007; 1649)(readMedia)-- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. today warned consumers that the previous alert, issued on Tuesday, September 25, has been expanded for Topps 100% Ground Beef Hamburgers due to possible contamination with E. coli 0157:H7.

The latest product added to the Topps recall includes Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, 20 Quarter Pounders with the product code SELL BY JUN 21 08 EST 9748. Like the others involved in this recall, the ground beef patties were all manufactured by Topps Meat Company LLC, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207. They were distributed to grocery stores throughout New York State.

A full list of previously recalled Topps ground beef products can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_040_2007_release/index.asp.

The contamination was discovered after consumers became ill after eating hamburgers. To date, there are 7 confirmed cases of E. coli in New York State and 25 nationwide, in association with this recall.

Follow-up investigations continue to be conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York State Department of Health. The Health Department is also investigating other cases of E. coli infection. In addition, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service are also continuing their investigation.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria. Symptoms of illness associated with the bacteria include severe abdominal cramps, followed by watery and bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting and nausea accompanied by a low-grade fever. Anyone developing these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately.

Although most healthy adults can recover from E. coli 0157:H7 poisoning completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

Consumers who have any of the aforementioned Topps 100% Ground Beef Hamburgers should return them to the place of purchase.

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