100 Pounds of Ground Beef Products Recalled For Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
Food Hazards in Animal Flesh and By-products from All-Creatures.org Vegan Health Articles

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2002 — Bunge’s Meats, a Catawissa, Pa., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 100 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products subject to recall are one- to 10-pound plastic bags of "GROUND CHUCK 80% LEAN." Each bag label also bears "NOV 12" and "BUNGES MEAT STORE CATAWISSA, PA. 356-2696."

The products were produced on Nov. 12 and distributed to customers out of the company’s own retail store located at 555 Riverhill Drive, Columbia County, Pa.

"Consumers need to be aware of this recall," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "I strongly encourage purchasers of ground beef to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled product. If consumers are in possession of the recalled product they should return it to the point of purchase."

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness.

We found this recall to be of specific interest, because it involved a market that ground their own beef.  So often, we hear people say that they buy their meats only from a specific butcher shop or farm that does their own slaughtering.  However, this case shows that food hazards can be present almost anywhere where there are animal flesh and by-products.

There is absolutely no reason to have humans or animals suffer and die because of the production of food.  From our research, we believe all food-borne illnesses (so-called "stomach flu," for example) originate within the meat and dairy industries or from cross-contamination.  We believe that one day, in the not too distant future, the meat and dairy industries will be held financially responsible much in the same way that the tobacco industry has been held responsible for the illnesses and deaths that result from their products. 

In this single recall, we estimate that only one cow suffered and died needlessly because of the human greed and carelessness involved in this industry.  Humans have a choice whether or not to eat these animal products - the cows are not given a choice concerning their lives.

We don't need to eat animals or their by-products to live.  There is an abundance of plant based foods to satisfy our every need; and plant foods don't have the food-borne illness risks and hazards.  See our Recipes section for some helpful and healthful suggestions.


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All-Creatures.org Health Position and Disclaimer

We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.