DeLauro Statement on Latest Beef Recall

Statement

DeLauro Statement on Latest Beef Recall

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement regarding the decision by Whole Foods to belatedly recall ground beef because of potential Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. Coli) contamination. It has been reported that nine people in two states who shopped at Whole Foods have become ill. The recently issued recall is for product that is part a July 3 national recall of ground beef produced by Nebraska Beef, Ltd. because of potential E. coli contamination. To date authorities have confirmed that nearly 50 illnesses in a dozen states are tied to the outbreak.

"Given that this ground beef was recalled over a month ago, it is extremely troublesome that Whole Food failed to remove this potentially contaminated product from its store shelves and continued to sell it to the public.

"It is what occurs when we rely on companies to police themselves - potentially harmful, deadly in some cases, product being sold to consumers. Clearly voluntary recalls and corporate responsibility have failed the public.

"This recall also highlights the importance of implementing the rule that allows the USDA to list the retail stores that may have received products subject to a recall.

"Today we are again reminded of why we need to urgently reform our food safety system, starting with giving the USDA mandatory recall authority."

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