FDA, along with CDC, state, and local partners in the U.S., and with the support of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 and E. coli O103 illnesses likely linked to ground bison supplied by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. of Saint-Leonard, Québec, Canada.
The FDA and CDC analyzed traceback and epidemiological information to determine that ground bison supplied by Northfork Bison Distributions is the likely cause of the illnesses.
FDA regulates bison meat because the authority is not assigned specifically to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service in the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
What Products are Recalled?
The company is recalling its ground bison, referred to as Bison Ground, and its ground bison patties, referred to as Bison Burgers and/or Buffalo Burgers, produced between February 22 and April 30, 2019.
The patties were sold to U.S. retailers in 4 x 4-ounce blue boxes under the Northfork Bison label with expiration dates up to October 8, 2020.
Recommendations
Consumers are advised to return the recalled Bison Burgers to the place of purchase for a refund.
Distributors, retailers, and restaurants should not distribute, use or serve ground bison (including bison burgers) recalled by Northfork Bison Distributions.
According to FDA, the company has been quick to initiate a voluntary recall and has been forthcoming with information to aid in the investigation. The agency states that the investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided when available.
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