On July 23, 2008, Beef Packers, Inc. recalled about 1,560 pounds of beef cheek products because they have the potential to be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, which could cause foodborne illness from E. coli.

Included in the recall are 30-pound boxes of “Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, Beef Cheek Meat – SM BX.” The boxes of the recalled products have the establishment number “EST. 354” and a “PACKED ON” date of “07/02/08,” printed on the label.

Recalled beef cheek products were shipped to distributors on Modesto, Santa Rosa, Fresno and Vernon, California.

Consumers are advised to contact Beef Packers Inc.’s consumer line at 1-800-545-1679 with questions. For more information, customers may also “Ask Karen,” the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. In addition, consumers may contact the United States Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.

Source: “California firm recalls beef cheek product due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination,” FSIS-Recall Release 024-2008, July 24, 2008.