A Los Angeles based meat company has expanded its recall of ground beef and veal to include about 4.9 million additional pounds of meat products because of food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, the recall includes meat products by Montebello-based Huntington Meat Packing Inc. because of concerns that the products may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The original recall was announced January 18, 2010 and was for 864,000 pounds of meat. So far, there have been no reports of illnesses or fatalities associated with these recalled beef and veal products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Food Safety Practices Under Investigation

The affected beef and veal was sold in 10, 20 and 50-pound boxes to distribution centers, restaurants and hotels in California between January 4 and January 22, 2010. Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 17967″ inside and the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled products include ground beef patties, diced beef, veal patties and beef burrito filling mix. The recall was apparently expanded because of evidence collected in an ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. Officials have found that the products were prepared in a manner that did not follow rules to prevent bacterial contamination. Officials also said that Huntington’s safety records were “unreliable.”

E. coli Symptoms and Precautions

E. coli is a potentially lethal bacterium that can sometimes cause catastrophic injuries or lifelong health problems. The most common symptoms of e. coli infection include bloody diarrhea, dehydration and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Very young people, persons with a weak immune system and the elderly are the most susceptible to food-borne illnesses. Always wash hands with warm, soapy water before handling raw meat. Keep the raw meat away from other food that will not be cooked. Very importantly, ground beef and poultry must be cooked to a high enough temperature — an internal temperature of 160 degrees, which is enough to kill any harmful bacteria that are present. It is also important to refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours of purchase.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been sickened by this recalled meat, please make sure to get immediate medical attention. You would also be well-advised to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent food producer is held responsible for the injuries and damages caused. If you are sickened by contaminated food, you should also report it as soon as possible to your local health care agency.