Calif.-based company recalls 22,723 pounds of ground beef because of possible contamination

Calif. company recalling 22,723 pounds of beef

FRESNO, Calif. — A company based in California is recalling some of its beef products because of concerns about possible salmonella contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says Fresno-based Beef Packers Inc. is pulling about 22,723 pounds of ground beef that may be linked to salmonellosis.

The products were produced Sept. 23 and bear the establishment number “EST. 31913″ printed on case code labels.

Because the beef was sent to a distribution center in Arizona, officials say consumers should check with local retailers to determine whether they may have purchased any of the recalled beef.

Food safety officials say the ground beef has been linked to two illnesses.

Beef Packers spokesman Mark Klein says the company initiated the recall voluntarily and is “taking the matter seriously.”