Why is Hamburger Recalled?
Hamburger is recalled when there is a risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 or another dangerous pathogen. E. coli is a stealth pathogen. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it. It doesn’t change the texture of the meat. The only way to find the bacteria is by testing samples of the meat.
In most cases, the recall is issued because testing found E. coli O157 in a sample of the hamburger. If an outbreak of illnesses is linked to the meat, there may be a recall. Recalls are issued depending on if the hamburger was sold to the public fresh or frozen and whether some of the product is still in the market. In 2012, the USDA classified six more serotypes of E. coli bacteria as adulterants in raw ground beef. They are O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145.
The federal agency charged with inspecting meat and enforcing regulations is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).
How Does E. coli Get into Hamburger?
E. coli O157 and other serotypes of this bacteria live in the intestines of cattle with no ill effects to the animals. The bacteria is excreted in the feces and is then present in the cow manure. At the slaughter house, unsanitary conditions can result in manure getting on meat before it is ground to make hamburger. This can result in thousands of pounds of hamburger being contaminated. One bite could be lethal.
Ground beef poses particularly high risks because it is both prone to contamination during production and is often served undercooked. These risks clearly justify increased testing for pathogenic baceria.
Can a Meat Company Be Sued if Hamburger Was Undercooked?
Yes, a meat company can be sued if the following is true:
- hamburger, either in a patty or as ground beef, was contaminated with E. coli bacteria;
- the hamburger was cooked on a grill or on a stove top by a home cook, even if it was undercooked; and
- someone contracted an E. coli infection and became ill.
Hamburger contaminated with E. coli is considered “adulterated” under federal law. Anyone sickened by the meat, even if it was undercooked, has a strict liability claim against the processor and possible others (a restaurant, for example). Strict liability says the company has to compensate people who get sick even if the company was not negligent (careless). The bottom line is that the meat company has to pay for selling contaminated beef.
Our E. coli Lawyers Can Help You
Our E. coli lawyers can help you if you or a loved one was sickened by contaminated hamburger. They have won millions for clients and have a national reputation for success. They have been quoted by the Washington Post, New York Times, Star Tribune, Associated Press, Fox News, CNN, and others. Contact our law firm about an E. coli lawsuit and find out how we can help you get answers, compensation and justice.