Update on October 2007 beef recall

In October 2007 when we learned there may be a problem with ground beef patties produced at our Butler, Wisconsin, facility, we immediately instituted a voluntary recall. A number of people were sickened. Our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been so affected by 0157:H7.

Cargill conducts nearly 400,000 tests for pathogens each year using a testing methodology that exceeds U. S. Department of Agriculture standards. We also require our suppliers to test using a methodology that exceeds USDA standards. A complete food safety system combines antimicrobial interventions, employee training and safe, food-handling procedures with testing. The testing verifies the effectiveness of all of these procedures.

Over the past 10 years, Cargill has invested $1 billion in ongoing meat science research and new food safety technologies and interventions. We are committed to continuous improvement in the area of food safety.