Contaminated steak detected

FOR the second time in seven months, E coli O26 contamination has been found in France in frozen minced beef steaks from Ireland.

Checks by a retailer detected the contamination and the product was withdrawn from sale.

Last August, the large distribution group, Carrefour, recalled a batch of frozen hamburger patties which originated in Ireland. Carrefour explained in a press release that consumers who purchased products with the sanitation stamp on the detected patties should not eat them, and should return them to the store where they would be reimbursed.

Thorough cooking of hamburger patties can prevent food poisoning due to Escherichia Coli O26 H11 bacterial contamination. The bacteria are killed by a temperature of 65ºC. Cross-contamination in the food service industry or home kitchen can also lead to food poisoning.