STATEMENT OF TOM BILLY, ADMINISTRATOR

Immediately after USDA's detection of E. coli 0157:H7 in one 20-lb. institutional package of coarse ground beef, IBP, in cooperation with USDA, is voluntarily recalling all 282,128 pounds of coarse ground beef produced on April 14, 1998 at its Joslin, Illinois plant. Coarse ground beef must be further processed before being sold to consumers.

USDA's routine ground beef testing program is conducted in meat plants and retail establishments around the country. USDA has tested over 20,000 samples since October of 1994, and only 13 have been positive for E. coli 0157:H7.

USDA has notified all state health departments regarding this product. No reports of illness associated with this product have been received by USDA or any of the states.

The product was distributed nationwide. States identified to USDA as having received the product are Iowa, Wisconsin, New York, Illinois, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, Indiana, West Virginia, Mississippi, Nebraska, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. One military shipment of 215 cases, destined for Europe, is currently being retrieved.

USDA officials have visited the IBP facility and continue to work closely with IBP in ensuring all product is removed from commerce as soon as possible.

Consumers are reminded to always cook all ground meat products thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

For further information, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-800-535-4555.