WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — Sun Coast Beef & Provision Inc., a Palmetto, Fla., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,620 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 30 lb. boxes of "PURE GROUND BEEF." The ground beef is packaged in 10 lb. white plastic tubes. Each box and tube bears the company name and address as well as the establishment number "EST. 11107" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The ground beef was produced on various days between Nov. 24 and Dec. 9, 2003, and was distributed to restaurants in Florida.

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological testing.

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 foodborne illness.

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Media with questions about the recall may contact Dave Cole, company general manager, at 941-722-3229.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Steven J. Sharp, company operations manager, at 941-722-3229

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHOTLINE. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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