Maine company recalls beef products

AUGUSTA – Bubier Meats, located in Greene, is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 pounds of beef products because they may be contaminated with fecal material and other contaminants, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Division of Quality Assurance & Regulations.

The problem was discovered through food inspections and visual observation performed on April 30 and May 1. An audit was then conducted, and it was discovered that 1,936 pounds had been released into commerce in Maine on those dates.

Fecal contamination is a direct source of possible E. coli 0157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration, according to a statement released Wednesday by the state Department of Agriculture. The very young, seniors, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness, the statement said.

The products include:

. Two whole sides of beef carcasses-736 pounds stamped “Est. 4.”

. 45 10-pound plastic cryovac bags of beef labeled Bubier Meats “Hamburg.”

. 30 10-pound plastic cryovac bags of ground beef labeled “Caldwell Farms Beef Certified Organic.”

. 450 pounds of beef primal cuts labeled “Caldwell Farms Beef Certified Organic.”

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company manager Tobey Bubier at 946-7761.