Massachusetts investigating E. coli cases linked to ground beef in New Hampshire

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

BOSTON –  Two Massachusetts residents became ill after eating ground beef in New Hampshire. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is now investigating concerns over E. coli. A total of fourteen people have reportedly gotten sick after eating beef processed at PT Farm in North Haverhill, New Hampshire. The beef was sold at stores and used in institutions throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. 

The USDA recall notice advises consumers that the items being recalled, which include ground beef, ground beef patties and other sub-primal cuts, were produced between June 6 and June 16, 2016. The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “8868” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product label, and would have one of the following names on the label:

PT Farm (North Haverhill, NH)
Robie Farm (Piermont, NH)
Chestnut Farms (Hardwick, MA)
Miles Smith Farm (Loudon, NH)
Meadowview Farm (Gilmanton, NH)
Farmer’s Brand (North Haverhill, NH)
Webster Ridge Farm (Webster, NH)

Consumers who have purchased these products and still have them, fresh or frozen, should discard them or return them to the place of purchase.

MDPH recommends that people should always consume only fully-cooked ground beef, regardless of place of purchase, including organic, grass-fed, and locally-sourced beef. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the bacteria.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults. It is marked by easily bruised or grayish skin and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult their health care provider, their local board of health, or the MDPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800 which is available 24/7.