Fairbank Farms offers to help consumers “check their freezers”

Ashville, NY, Nov. 2, 2009 — Fairbank Farms issued a voluntary recall for approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef on October 31. The product, which was produced between Sept. 14 through Sept. 16, 2009, is possibly linked to E.coli O157:H7.

While the recall was for distribution centers in eight states, Fairbank Farms has learned that some of its customers may have redistributed potentially affected ground beef into other states.

Fairbank Farms says that any customers from northeastern or mid-Atlantic states, who have identified recalled ground beef products (refer to the specifically labeled list below), should remove the product from their freezers and return it to their stores for full reimbursement. Retail outlets include:  ACME, BJ’s, Ford Brothers, Giant Food Stores, Price Chopper, Shaw’s, and Trader Joe’s.

[adsense]Other local grocers, not included on the list, may also be recalling ground beef products. For additional assurance, Fairbank Farms recommends that consumers check with their retailers at store level.

The recalled products are past their expiration date by 23 to 32 days. This means they are no longer being sold as fresh product in supermarkets.

“Fairbank Farms is committed to providing the most up-to-date information. The company and its customers are taking all precautions necessary to ensure consumer safety and welfare,” says Ron Allen, CEO of Fairbank Farms. “We’re assisting our customers in conducting this recall, and continue to urge consumers to check their freezers for ground beef products that are listed in the recall. Consumers who identify these products should return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.”

Have questions? Consumers should contact Fairbank Farms’ toll-free consumer hotline at 1-877-546-0122. The hotline will run daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. (To accommodate busy consumers, the hotline on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 will be on extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.) Anyone who has a medical concern should immediately contact a physician.