The Culebra Meat Market has recalled three cuts of beef it distributed in the San Antonio area due to a possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recalled beef cuts are beef stew meat, carne asada, and ground beef produced between October 2nd and October 17th, 2009. The Culebra Meat Market distributed the three cuts of beef directly to area restaurants and to consumers through its retail market. The retail meat was distributed in a variety if weights and packaging, however, the wholesale beef sold to restaurants were distributed in 10 pound boxes with lot codes 100209 through 101709. The also carry the inspection label “TEXAS INSP. & PSD. 740″ located inside a state of Texas logo. The E. coli bacteria was discovered to be present in the meat after samples tested positive during routine testing. Luckily so far, no illness have been reported in connection with this recall. E. coli can bring about devastating symptoms which include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains. In children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised, E. coli can be a deadly bacteria. It is always recommended to buy your meat from reputable distributors and to always cook ground beef thoroughly to a minimum temperature of 160ºF.

Costco has reached an agreement with Tyson that allows Costco to test trimmings supplied to Costco before they are mixed with trimmings from other suppliers to produce hamburgers. This has occurred after most slaughterhouses such as Tyson have resisted efforts by companies such as Costco to test trimmings for E. coli. The FDA has banned E. coli from ground beef since 1994. There have been numerous instances of E. coli from hamburger meat causing devastating injuries to people who eat the meat.

In Response to NY Times “Companies Strike Deal on Testing for E. Coli,” 10/08/2009