Recently, 14 individuals in several states have become ill after eating ground beef products produced and sold by Hannaford stores. The company has issued a broad recall for the fresh ground beef products it sells, including:
Hannaford brand 73%, 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90% lean regular ground beef
Taste of Inspirations Angus 80%, 85% and 90% lean ground beef
Nature’s Place 85% and 90% lean ground beef
The ground beef products in question appear to be that purchased during the months of October and November, but spokesman Mike Norton stated that the stored chose to include ground beef products with a sell-by date up to and including December 17th using an abundance of caution.
The four states that have had individuals become ill include Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. In Maine, four people became ill, two having to be hospitalized according to Maine epidemiologist Dr. Stephen Sears.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FSIS stated on Friday December 16th in a press release that salmonella illnesses had been reported in the four states mentioned above, and that 10 of the 14 who became ill had bought ground beef products at Hannaford’s between the dates of October 12th and November 20th.
Salmonella Typhimurium, the strain that the bacteria was determined to be, is unusual and somewhat resistant to antibiotics, according to Sears. He said that it is not a strain that he has seen before. At the time of the recall, the USDA was continuing to investigate and had yet to determine the source of contamination of the fresh ground beef products. Officials were not certain as to the total pounds of meat subject to the recall.
The FSIS stated, “11 of those (14) individuals reported consuming ground beef. Seven individuals were hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.”
The company is concerned that some consumers may have the product in their freezers, and urge them to return the packages marked with a sell-by date of December 17th or earlier to any Hannaford store for a full refund. Customers with questions or concerns may call Hannaford’s customer information center at 1-800-213-9040, option 6.
Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning are usually mild and may including nausea, fever and chills, diarrhea and abdominal pain. While most people experience a short-lived, mild illness, Salmonella can be fatal to some individuals who develop complications. These individuals include young children, those with weakened immune systems and the elderly.
Those who have become ill and suspect food poisoning should contact the New York food poisoning attorneys at Brown Chiari to discuss your case and learn if you may be eligible for compensation of costs associated with your illness. Brown Chiari is a team of talented New York Injury Attorneys located in Buffalo & Lancaster NY.
