Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: August 6, 1999
CONTACT: Ernie Julian, Ph.D. Office of Food Protection
401- 222-3430, ext. 2429; pager service 272-5952

Department of Health Issues E. COLI Alert
Illnesses Linked to Poorly-Cooked Ground Beef Patties

Patricia Nolan, MD, MPH, State Health Director, today warned consumers not to eat ground beef patties made by Jac Pac Foods Ltd. with a product code 00924 or 00934 due to possible E. coli 0:157 contamination. Health officials reported 21 illnesses in the Northeast Region, including one case in Rhode Island.

Jac Pac Foods of Manchester, New Hampshire voluntarily recalled the suspect product. It was distributed through BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. The ground beef patties were sold in 5 and 10 pound boxes. BJ’s agreed to remove the product from store shelves and notify its customers via a letter about the situation

"We’re making sure this product has been pulled off BJ’s shelves and destroyed," said Dr. Nolan. "In the meantime, anyone who might have this meat in their freezer should take it back to the store for a refund or throw it out. Don’t eat it."

E. coli infection can produce serious illness and even be deadly, especially for children. This latest advisory reminds people to always cook ground beef thoroughly (use meat thermometer, cook to 160 degree F). Make sure not to contaminate other foods or food preparation surfaces with juices from raw meat. It’s also essential to wash your hands carefully after preparing raw ground beef. Don’t take short cuts or chances with your health.

Although most healthy adults recover from E. coli 0:157 poisoning completely within a week, some people develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.

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 seek medical advice immediately.

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us