Rocky Mountain Natural Meats has now recalled approximately 66,776 pounds of bison meat products due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  The recalls have occurred on two separate dates: the first was announced on July 2, and the second just yesterday. 

To date, the bison meat outbreak has sickened at least 6 residents of Colorado and New York, though those are only the stool sample confirmed cases. Undoubtedly, with over 66,000 pounds of bison meat recalled, many more people are ill.

As always, meat recalls due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination are particularly dangerous; not just because E. coli O157:H7 can be a particularly devastating bug, but also because people often freeze the product, don’t know about the recall or see the USDA-FSIS website announcement, and consume the product at a later date. 

Fortunately, the companies involved in the recall appear to be working actively to let consumers know about the recall.  We have been contacted by several people who have heard directly from the retail establishments that sold the contaminated bison meat.

According to Rocky Mountain Natural Meats’ website, which links to helpful images of the recalled product packaging, the products subject to the two recalls include: 

One pound packages:

  •Great Range Brand Ground Bison label with the UPC# 016447 10090 6, with “sell or freeze by” dates of June 21, 22, and 24.

  •Natures Rancher Ground Buffalo label with the UPC # 016447 10091 6 with “sell or freeze by” date of June 22.

  •The Buffalo Guys Ground Bison with UPC# 852584 00030 9 and a package date of 0147.

12oz. packages:

  •Great Range Brand Bison Steak Medallion with UPC# 016447 10026 5 and a “sell or freeze by” date of June 23 and 24, 2010.

  •Great Range Brand Bison Sirloin Steak with UPC# 016447 10226 9 and a “sell or freeze by” date of June 20, 23 and 24, 2010.