The nanny state that is the USA is at it again. The USDA issued a “Class 1 recall” of ground beef products shipped from Emporia, Kansas, by Tyson Fresh Meats to 14 states. Don’t these nanny’s understand we don’t want them meddling with our food? We can figure out what food is tainted or safe. If they keep protecting those of us who can’t they just weaken us all. If we want to protect ourselves from e-coli we can get testing equipment and test our food ourselves. If we just want to risk it without such tests that should be our business.

Ground Beef Recalled in 14 States

The E. coli contamination was first reported to the FSIS on Sept. 26 by the Ohio Department of Health. Ohio officials had collected contaminated ground beef from the Butler County homes of people who had taken ill after eating it. The investigation is ongoing.

Infection from the E. coli 0157:H7 bacterium can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping or tenderness, dehydration, and in some people, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms usually start about three to five days after infection. Extreme cases can lead to fatal kidney failure. Those most susceptible to E. coli infection include the very young, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.

E. coli food poisoning can be prevented by safely handling raw meat and by cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills the bacterium.

If we keep trying to keep the food supply safe we just make people lazy just like the nanny state wants.

Related: Protecting the Food Supply – Food Safety and Inspection Service case archive