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Where's the Beef? Attorney Calls for Disclosure of E. Coli Beef Distribution Chain

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Houston, TXThe Houston-based law firm of Simon & Luke has called upon National Steak and Poultry (NSP) to release critical information related to the recent E. coli beef recall—and a potential foodborne illness outbreak.

Thus far, National Steak and Poultry has remained silent as to where the contaminated beef was shipped and sold, despite illnesses in six states tied to the contaminated beef.

"One of the critical steps in preventing the spread of a deadly E. coli outbreak is to tell the public where the contaminated product was shipped and sold, so that consumers can avoid purchasing the product, and avoid eating any remaining product that may have already been purchased." said Ron Simon, managing partner of Simon & Luke. "National Steak and Poultry has a legal and moral obligation to provide this critical information to the public and failure to do so will only result in more American citizens becoming ill."

NSP issued the following statement on its website about the beef recall that has been tied to a rash of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in 6 states:

"Based on epidemiological evidence, provided to us by FSIS, some of our products could potentially be implicated in an outbreak...Therefore, as a precautionary measure, on December 24, 2009 National Steak and Poultry has initiated a voluntary recall.

"We take the safety and wholesomeness of our products very seriously and that's why we are working with the USDA to conduct this recall. This is the first recall in our company's nearly 30-year history. Given our long history of focusing on product safety and our standards of excellence, we will error on the side of being cautious with this recall…We are undertaking this action in cooperation with the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Is NSP in Denial?

"The NSP statement is not an admission of anything," says Simon. "Rather, the company says that it is recalling this product because the government informed them that it is tied to an E. coli outbreak, and they are not confirming whether they agree. But they are erring on the side of caution and will comply with the government.

"In fact, NSP is still refusing to tell us where the contaminated beef was sold and shipped. What is interesting is what is NOT in the company's statement:

1. The identity of the retailers to which the contaminated beef was distributed.

2. The identity of the restaurants to which the contaminated beef was sold.

3. The results of the company's internal investigation as to how the E. coli got into the beef.

4. The company's product testing results during the time period during which the contaminated beef was produced.

Doesn't the consumer have the right to know?"

READ ABOUT Foodborne Illness LAWSUITS

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