Nebraska company recalls meat that may contain E. coli

Friday, November 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A Nebraska meat company is recalling 110,000 pounds of ground beef distributed nationwide that may be contaminated with E. coli, the Agriculture Department said Thursday.

Skylark Meats Inc. of Omaha sold the meat produced on Sept. 10 to retail stores and institutions. Tests showed that a sample was tainted with the deadly bacteria. No illnesses have been reported, the federal agency said.

Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled meat and return it to the place where they purchased it, said Dr. Garry McKee, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service administrator.

E. coli can cause severe illness, including dehydration and diarrhea, and is deadly in some cases. People who are very young, elderly or have weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable to the disease.

The recalled products are:

_3-pound tubes of ``SKYLARK 100 Percent Pure GROUND BEEF.'' The tubes were distributed individually or packed in 30 lb. boxes. Individual tubes are marked with the label ``EST. 4215'' inside the USDA inspection seal and ``PRODUCTION CODE 9-10-2003.'' The 30 lb. boxes are marked ``GROUND BEEF CHUBS'' with ``EST. 4215'' and have codes ``2253'' or production code ``9-10-2003.''

_1-pound tubes of ``FROZEN GROUND BEEF.'' The tubes were distributed individually or packed in 40 pound boxes. Individual tubes are marked with a code ``EST.4215'' inside the USDA inspection seal and ``BEST USED BY 03/10/03 LOT 2253A.'' The boxes of ``GROUND BEEF'' have ``CONTRACT NO. 12022 7305'' and the USDA shield contains ``USDA FOOD.''

Consumers with questions about the recall contact Skylark at (507) 238-4201.