Firm Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Products Due to Possible <EM>E. coli</EM> O157:H7 Contamination

Fairbank Farms, an Ashville, N.Y, establishment, is recalling approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products.

WASHINGTON- Fairbank Farms, an Ashville, N.Y, establishment, is recalling approximately 545,699 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 (FSIS) announced on Saturday.
 
FSIS became aware of the problem during the course of an investigation of a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. Working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health and agriculture departments, FSIS determined that there is an association between the fresh ground beef products subject to recall and illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts. FSIS is continuing to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, other state health and agriculture departments and the CDC on the investigation. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a physician.