Athol, MA-based Adams Farm Slaughterhouse, LLC., late Monday recalled approximately 2,574 pounds of beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

This recall was initiated after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed a positive ground beef sample for E. coli O157:H7, which it collected during an epidemiological investigation.

FSIS then concluded there is an association between the ground beef products and an illness in the state of Massachusetts. FSIS is continuing to work with the MDPH on the investigation.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • 1,025-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Mazzarese.
  • 697-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Side Hill Farm.
  • 852-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Sweet Water Farm.

Each package bears a label with the establishment number “EST. 5497” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the packaging date of “11/11/2009.” The beef products were distributed to private owners on three separate Massachusetts farms.

According to the firm’s website, the Adams Farm Slaughterhouse is a third generation, state-of-the-art, USDA inspected meat processing facility that utilizes strict quality control standards to provide only the highest quality, fresh meat products that exceed USDA standards and a consistently applied animal tracking system that ensures a dependable and reliable service to their customers.

In addition, Adams Farm now certified by USDA for Kosher label In addition to being: Animal Welfare certified; USDA National Organic certified; Halal certified and USDA certified for interstate selling of meats using the USDA Natural or other labeling.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.