Beef recall issued from Smith's

Smith's Food and Drug Stores released a statement Thursday saying it is recalling select store-brand and store-packaged beef products because the beef was supplied by JBS Swift Beef Co. and may be contaminated with E. coli.

Nevada, with 40 stores, is among the states affected by the recall.

Other states included in the recall are: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

To date, no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the beef products.

Smith's is asking customers to carefully check their freezers at home for the following store-brand and store-packaged beef products with sell-by dates from May 5 to May 24, 2009:

• Ball Tip Steak, Petite Cut

• Lean 85/15 Ground Beef ST

• Ground Beef (Not to Exceed 15% Fat)

• Cube Steak

• Beef for Stew

• Beef for Fondue

• Beef Fajita Meat

• Beef for Stir Fry

The items listed above include beef products in foam tray packages wrapped in clear cellophane and purchased at Smith's in-store fresh meat cases. Customers who have any of the beef items included in this recall should not consume the products and should return them to a store for a full refund or replacement.

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 people with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to food borne illness.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at www.cdc.gov or www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/recalls.

Consumers who have questions or concerns may also call Smith's at 1-800-632-6900.