Food Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, July 15^th, 2020

 

In June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that a New Jersey-based company was recalling more than 40,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was initiated after a problem was discovered during FSIS testing.

According to the FSIS announcement, E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age, but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

All of the products that are a part of the recall were produced during one day last month, but FSIS reports concerns that some of the ground beef may still be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to not consume them and to either throw them away or return them to the original place of purchase.

“The ground beef was shipped under various brand names to retailers nationwide, so it’s important for consumers to be aware of this FSIS recall notice,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, at the time of the recall posting, there had not been any reports of illnesses related to the packaged beef products. At EMSL, our food scientists offer comprehensive food testing services. Testing is important to identify contamination issues with raw materials, production surfaces and finished products.”

To learn more about E. coli or other microbial pathogens and food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.