The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced this afternoon that McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC, a North Branch, Michigan company, is expanding its August 9, 2011 Class I recall to include approximately 2,200 pounds of ground beef product that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:NM (non-motile). Through an epidemiologic investigation, investigators have determined that there is a link between the company’s ground beef products produced on July 15 and July 21 and a number of illnesses in Michigan.

The company’s products have already sickened 5 who the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) have reported are confirmed Shiga-toxin producing E. coli cases. In addition, the latest reports indicate that there are also 4 probable cases in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties. According to MDCH and MDARD, illness onset dates range between July 18 and July 25, 2011. Those affected range in age from 15-88. A total of 6 have been hospitalized.

The additional products that are now subject to recall include:

  • 1 and 10-lb. clear packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.”
  • 1 to1.5-lb., approximate weight clear plastic bags of “McNees Ground beef patties.”
  • 1-lb. packages of “McNees Ground Round.”
  • 1 and 2-lb packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags.

Each clear plastic bag and retail package bears the establishment number “EST. 33971” within the USDA mark of inspection. The products subject to recall were produced on July 7, July 15, July 21, July 28 and Aug. 4, 2011, and sold to retail establishments and restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Michigan. The products were also sold directly to consumers from a retail establishment owned by McNees Meats and Wholesale, LLC. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ website at www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

E. coli O157: NM is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. E. coli O157: NM differs from E. Coli O157:H7 in that it lacks the flagellar H antigen, making it non-motile (NM).