WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2003—Abbyland Meats, an Abbotsford, Wis., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 78,600 pounds of fresh boneless beef 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 being recalled are various cuts of boneless beef shipped in containers of various weights and intended for further processing (grinding). Each container bears the words "BONELESS BEEF" and USDA establishment number "EST. 1633" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The beef was produced on Oct. 20, 2003, and distributed to wholesale establishments in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

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 Julie Jacobsen, company director of human resources, at 715-223-6386, ext. 7254.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Tiffiny Pierce, company microbiologist, at 715-223-6386, ext. 7228.

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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