Food Safety
Bison burger recalled for possible E. coli linked to illness outbreak
Frozen ground meat imported from Canada
Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. recalled ground bison and patties that are linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak.
The frozen meat imported from the Quebec company went to institutions and stores throughout the Eastern and Central U.S.
The retail products recalled are blue boxes of four 4-ounce Northfork Bison burgers with an expiration date of Oct. 8, 2020. The ground bison and burgers for institutions were made Feb. 22-April 30.
The FDA, which regulates bison because the authority is not assigned specifically to the USDA, teamed with the CDC to analyze traceback and epidemiological information to determine that Northfork bison likely caused 21 illnesses known at the time of the investigation announcement. That includes eight hospitalizations.
The illnesses were in Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The strains involved are E. coli O121 and O103.
“Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. has been quick to initiate a voluntary recall and has been forthcoming with information to aid in the investigation,” the FDA’s outbreak announcement says. The investigation continues.
People should not eat the meat, and distributors, stores and restaurants shouldn’t use it.
Those with the bison at home can return it to the store for a refund, and institutions can contact their distributor for a refund, the company says.
Anyone with questions may call Rocco Verelli from the company at 888-422-0623.
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