Coal Valley,IL Company Recalled Ground Beef-Possible E.Coli

Ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli, is being recalled by Valley Meats LLC. a Coal Valley, Illinois company.

Approximately 100,000 pounds of ground beef are affected by the recall according to an announcement made today by The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Food Safety and Inspection Service was informed May 13th by the Ohio Department of Health of a cluster of E. coli O157:h7 infections. Illnesses have been reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

The ground beef products being recalled include Grillmaster Brand Products, 3S Brand Products, J&B Brand Products, Klub Brand Products, Thick “N Savory Brand Products and Ultimate Brand Products. There are also ground beef products involved with no specified name brand. A complete listing with descriptions and case numbers can be found on the Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

The very young, older people and people with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to food borne illness. E.coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium.  It can cause diarrhea, dehydration and in the most severe cases, kidney failure.

The ground beef products recalled by the Coal Valley, Il company  for possible E Coli contamination were produced on March 10, 2009 and were distributed to various consignees nationwide.

Cold Sweet Watermelon and Hot Summer Holidays

Think of cold sweet watermelon and you think of hot summer holidays. Watermelon is not just a refreshing picnic fruit; it’s also low in calories and a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C! Be careful though, a large portion of the calories comes from sugars.

Simple Watermelon and Feta Salad

5 cups small watermelon balls
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons torn fresh mint
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground black pepper

Combine lime juice, oil, salt, pepper. Pour over watermelon, feta cheese and the fresh mint leaves. Toss gently. Serve cold.