E. coli Oubreak in Oregon and Washington: An E. coli Lawyer Report
Eight people in Oregon and Washington have confirmed E. coli infections associated with “Northwest Finest” ground beef products. This E. coli outbreak has prompted the USDA-FSIS to issue a public health alert regarding about 41,305 pounds of ground beef processed by Interstate Meats of Oregon.
We have been contacted by people sickened in this E. coli outbreak and suspect that state and federal health officials will be reporting more confirmed cases of E. coli linked to the “Northwest Finest” beef products.
Over 5 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled in the last few months, and there have been numerous E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States associated with the various recalls. Anyone diagnosed with E. coli poisoning should suspect ground beef. A number of tests need to be done to link a case of E. coli poisoning to a specific outbreak and the associated ground beef. We encourage anyone who is diagnosed with E. coli to contact the firm by calling toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submitting the online contact form for review by an attorney.
Details of the E. coli Outbreak that may be Associated with “Northwest Finest” Ground Beef
The confirmed illnesses associated with the “Northwest Finest” beef products were reported in late July and the first week of August. The Washington confirmed cases included one child and five adults in King, Island and Clallam counties. Two people were hospitalized and have since recovered.
The “Northwest Finest” ground beef products include the following:
* 16-ounce packages of “Northwest Finest 7% FAT, NATURAL GROUND BEEF.” The label bears a UPC code of 752907 600127.
* 16-ounce packages of “Northwest Finest 10% FAT, Organic GROUND BEEF.” No UPC code is available.
Each package also bears the establishment number “Est. 965″ inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture mark of inspection as well as a sell-by date between August 1 and August 11.
The ground beef products were produced on various dates between July 19 and July 30 and distributed in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The organic product was sold at QFC, Fred Meyer, and Safeway stores in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. The natural product was sold at Safeway stores in Oregon, Washington and possibly elsewhere.
