Bison Ground Meat Recalled After Linked to Pathogenic E. coli Outbreak

Northfork Bison Distributions Inc., a Quebec Canada based company, is recalling its ground bison, referred to as Bison Ground, and its ground bison patties, referred to as Bison Burgers and/or Buffalo Burgers, produced between February 22 and April 30, 2019 due to potential linkage to an foodborne illness outbreak of E. coli O103.  This outbreak has affected 21 people with 8 hospitalizations.

The bison meat is under FDA, not USDA jurisdiction.*

If frozen patties, there is always the concern for under cooking, especially when people do not use a thermometer to verify the product is properly cooked (160F internal temp).

Interesting, the cooking instructions do not specifically say that the meat has to be cooked to 160F...unless I missed it.  Cooking temperatures are listed on the website, but going through the blog, there is certainly a miss for cooking (https://www.northforkbison.com/best-bison-burger-tips) as well as their video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjzZOgXyAw0) which when you add foie gras, the temperature should technically be 165F.

*  From USDA website

How is bison inspected?
Bison may be inspected under voluntary federal inspection or FDA equivalent inspection. FDA equivalent inspection includes state inspection. Under voluntary federal inspection by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), businesses pay an hourly rate for inspection services. Voluntary inspection is handled under the Agriculture Marketing Act, which gives the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to take whatever steps are necessary to make the product marketable.
Federal inspection is done on a carcass-by-carcass basis by FSIS. The FSIS inspector must have knowledge about that particular species and the carcass must fit available equipment in the plant. Each bison and its internal organs are inspected for signs of disease. The triangle shaped "U.S. Inspected and Passed" seal ensures the bison is wholesome and free from disease. Note: Some states require all exotic animals be inspected in order to be sold in commerce.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-linked-ground-bison-northfork-bison-distributions-july-2019
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli Linked to Ground Bison from Northfork Bison Distributions, July 2019
Consumers should avoid recalled Northfork Bison Distributions, Inc. ground bison and bison patties/burgers imported from Canada

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 21
Hospitalizations: 8
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: June 18, 2019
States with Cases: CT, FL, MI, MO, NJ, NY, PA


What Products are Recalled?

Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is recalling its ground bison, referred to as Bison Ground, and its ground bison patties, referred to as Bison Burgers and/or Buffalo Burgers, produced between February 22 and April 30, 2019.

The bison patties were sold to retailers in 4 x 4-ounce blue boxes under the Northfork Bison label with expiration dates up to October 8, 2020.

Consumers are advised to return the recalled Bison Burgers to the place of purchase for a refund.

July 16, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local partners in the U.S., and with the support of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 and E. coli O103 illnesses likely linked to ground bison supplied by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. of Saint-Leonard, Québec, Canada.

The FDA and CDC analyzed traceback and epidemiological information to determine that ground bison supplied by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is the likely cause of the illnesses.

FDA regulates bison meat because the authority is not assigned specifically to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

Recommendation

Buffalo Burger Canadian Bison Meat 

Distributors, retailers and restaurants should not distribute, use or serve ground bison (including bison burgers) recalled by Northfork Bison Distributions Inc.

As of July 16, 2019, Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is voluntarily recalling its ground bison, referred to as Bison Ground, and its ground bison patties, referred to as Bison Burgers and/or Buffalo Burgers, produced between February 22, 2019, and April 30, 2019. 

Consumers should not eat products prepared using recalled ground bison (including bison burgers) sold under the Northfork Bison label including Bison Burgers sold to retailers in 4 x 4-ounce packages with expiration dates through October 8, 2020. 

Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. has been quick to initiate a voluntary recall and has been forthcoming with information to aid in the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided when available.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/northfork-bison-distributions-inc-voluntarily-recalling-bison-burgers-bison-ground-because-possible
Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. is Voluntarily Recalling Bison Burgers & Bison Ground Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 16, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 17, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Has the potential to be contaminated with E. coli: O121 and O103
Company Name:Northfork Bison Distributions Inc
Brand Name: Northfork Bison Distributions Inc
Product Description: Bison Burgers & Bison Ground

Company Announcement

Northfork Bison Distributions Inc. of St. Leonard, Quebec is recalling its Bison Burgers & Bison Ground because they have the potential to be contaminated with E. coli: O121 and O103. This form of E. coli may cause diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious damage and even death.

The recalled Bison Burgers & Bison Ground were distributed across Eastern & Central U. S., to institutions and retail outlets.

The institutions that have Bison Burgers and Bison Ground in their inventory with the production date: February 22, 2019 – April 30, 2019, are urged to contact their distributor for a full refund. For the retail outlets, the Bison Burgers (4 x 4 oz) in question, with the expiration date up to October 8th, 2020, can be clearly identified by their blue boxes with the Northfork Bison logo prominently displayed. Consumers who have purchased these Bison Burgers are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Illnesses have been reported; the number and extent of which are currently under investigation.

Consumers with questions may contact the Company at 1-888-422-0623.

Link to Outbreak Investigation of E. coli Linked to Ground Bison from Northfork Bison Distributions, July 2019