Connecticut Beef Recalled After Residents Were Hospitalized Due To E. Coli

The Connecticut Department of Public Health and the United States Department of Agriculture said that meat products that were sold at the farmer's markets from Adams' Slaughterhouse in Athol, Massachusetts are recalled after testing positive for E. coli. Among the recalled meats are veal, bison, and beef, as the contamination already made two people in Connecticut, as well as other nearby states, sick.

Fox61 News said that the DPH has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the USDA, as well as other state health departments, have been investigating the multi-state outbreak. Consumers who have left-over beef, veal, or bison products purchased from the local farmers' markets or directly from a Connecticut farm with USDA plant code #5497 printed on the label should verify whether or not their products have been processed by Adams' Slaughterhouse - as they would be included in the recall.

People have started getting sick on dates ranging from June 27 to September 4, and those who have been sick, according to CT Post, ranged in age from one-year-olds to 74-year-olds, with a median age of 25. In addition to the sick persons in Connecticut, others have been reported to have gotten sick in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Adams' Farm Slaughterhouse general manager Ed Maltby said of the incident, We pride ourselves on being a high-class facility with testing. We regret that people have gotten sick." He also said that none of the meat products have been sold to supermarket chains.

A complete list of the recalls from Adams' Farm Slaughterhouse was posted on the USDA website, but for consumers who were unable to get access to the original packaging can opt to contact the farm or retailer where they purchased their meat, to ask whether or not their product is included in the recall.

E. coli infection can result in severe stomach cramps, (often bloody) diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Although some infections are mild, most people suffer for 5-7 days, while there are severe or life-threatening cases that have been reported. For those who suspect to have been infected with E.coli, a visit to your physician is highly recommended.