IBP Recalls Beef That Might Contain E. Coli

IBP Inc. said it is voluntarily recalling all ground beef produced at its Dakota City, Neb., plant on Oct. 22 because a sample might have contained the deadly bacteria E. coli 0157:H7. The company said the recall involves 556,226 pounds of ground beef, much of which is believed to have already been consumed, that was shipped to 33 states, including California. IBP said its officials know of no illnesses associated with the beef produced on that day. Dakota City-based IBP, the world’s largest processor of fresh beef, said officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had been notified and were testing the product. Most of the ground beef is further processed by grocers and restaurants before being eaten, so there is no brand name, product code or production lot numbers for consumers to check. Thorough cooking kills harmful bacteria, including E. coli 0157:H7, the company noted.