WASHINGTON, July 3 (UPI) -- A Colorado company is recalling about 33 tons of bison meat products because of possible E. coli contamination that could sicken people, federal officials say.
The U.S. Agriculture Department said in a release on its Web site Friday that its Food Safety and Inspection Service became aware of the problem at Rocky Mountain Natural Meats of Henderson while investigating a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Colorado June 4-9.
The department said five cases in Colorado and one in New York were determined to be associated with the ground bison products.
The products being recalled include:
-- 16-ounce packages of "Great Range Brand All Natural Ground Bison" with a "sell or freeze by" date of June 21, June 22 or June 24, 2010;
-- 16-ounce packages of "Nature's Rancher Ground Buffalo" with a "sell or freeze by" date of June 22, 2010;
-- 16-ounce packages of "The Buffalo Guys All Natural Ground Buffalo 90% Lean" with a lot number of 0147;
-- 12-ounce packages of "Great Range Brand All Natural Bison Steak Medallions" with a "sell or freeze by" date of June 23 and June 24, 2010;
-- 12-ounce packages of "Great Range Brand All Natural Bison Sirloin Steaks" with a "sell or freeze by" date of June 20, June 23 and June 24, 2010;
-- 15-pound boxes of "Rocky Mountain Natural Meats inc. Bison 10 oz. Sirloin Steak" that went to restaurants and bear a Julian Code of 0141.
The products being recalling carry the establishment number "EST. 20247" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced between the dates of May 21-27. They were distributed to retail establishments nationwide and food service distributors in Utah and Arizona.
