Today, Publix and Winn-Dixie supermarkets announced their recall of ground beef due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Both store chains have pulled some 60,000 pounds of ground beef from their shelves over the weekend after learning of the contamination found in beef from their supplier, National Beef Co., at their plant in Dodge City, Kansas.
Publix reports that the recalled beef products were sold under the name "National Beef" and had production dates of July 23rd and 25th. They also reported to having used it in their stores to make meatballs, beef patties and a number of other items (see below for more information). Winn-Dixie reports that it sold the beef under its own store brand as well, labeled as "Winn-Dixie Ground Chuck."
Publix sent out a press release today stating that only the following Florida counties are affected by this recall: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Leon, Suwannee, Columbia, Alachua, Marion, Putnam, Clay, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Duval and Nassau.
