Oregon E. coli Outbreak-Interstate Meat Disrtibutors, Inc.

Yesterday, state and federal officials warned consumers about tainted ground beef from Interstate Meat Distributors, Inc. Over 40,000 lbs of ground beef were implicated. Incredibly, NO recall notice will be issued because the meat is now three weeks past the end of its shelf life.

Somehow that seems extremely irresponsible, as many of us put ground beef in the freezer.

Early information from various websites indicates that the alert covers ground beef sold under the "Northwest Finest" brand. The following products are included in the alert:
1. 16-ounce packages of "Northwest Finest 7% FAT, NATURAL GROUND BEEF." The label bears a UPC code of 752907 600127;
2. 16-ounce packages of "Northwest Finest 10% FAT, Organic GROUND BEEF." No UPC code is available.

It's worth checking the freezer, as no one should eat this stuff.

David F. Sugerman
Paul & Sugerman, PC
www.pspc.com

More Spinach Woes--Salmonella

News reports today include the announcement of another recall--this time California spinach for salmonella. Metz Fresh LLC (King City, CA.) announced the recall earlier today. The recalled bagged fresh spinach was distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada. The recall covers 10 oz and 16 oz bags, plus 4 lb. pound cartons and cartons that contain four 2.5 lb. bags. According to media reports, here are the relevant tracking codes: 12208114, 12208214 and 12208314.