PRODUCTION DATES/IDENTIFYING CODES: Produced June 21, 2004

The products subject to recall include:

*Six pound bags of *NORTHERN PLAINS BEEF SIRLOIN AND BEEF PATTIES* with a packaging code 17304. The products subject to recall are also marked with *Best by 12/18/04.*

*Ten pound boxes of *NORTHERN PLAINS GOURMET BEEF PATTIES*with a packaging code 17304. The products subject to recall are also marked with *Best by 12/18/04.*

*Eight and ten pound boxes and chubs of *FINE GROUND BEEF 91/09* marked with *Sell/Freeze By 07/10/04* or *SELL BY FREEZE BY 04 JUL 10.*

*Seven pound boxes of *SEASONED BEEF PATTIES (MISFORMED) with a packaging code 17304. The products subject to recall are also marked with *Best by 12/18/04.*

All of the products subject to recall bear the establishment number *EST. 245P* inside the USDA mark of inspection.

PROBLEM/REASON FOR RECALL:  The recall was prompted by epidemiological evidence related to illnesses linked to consumption of a product produced by this establishment on June 21, 2004.

FSIS continues to work with state and federal partners on this investigation.

HOW/WHEN DISCOVERED: Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture investigated several illnesses and contacted USDA.

FEDERAL ESTABLISHMENT: 00245P  M

      Carneco Foods LLC

      1529  23rd Street  East

      Columbus, NE 68601

CONSUMER CONTACT: John Schaller, Div. V.P. of Operations, 1-405-603-7936

MEDIA CONTACT:  John Schaller, Div. V.P. of Operations, 1-405-603-7936

QUANTITY RECALLED: Approximately 497,000 pounds

DISTRIBUTION: Nationwide

RECALL CLASSIFICATION: Class I

RECALL NOTIFICATION LEVEL: Retail

PRESS RELEASE: Yes

DIRECT NOTIFICATION MEANS: The firm has notified its customers orally and will follow up in writing.

FSIS FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES: Effectiveness checks by the FSIS, Office of Field Operations (OFO).

OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED: Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture

FSIS CONTACTS:

FSIS Recall Coordinator:  (515) 727-8960 Consumer Inquiries: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854); TTY, 1-800-256-7072 Media Inquiries:  202-720-9113 Congressional Inquiries:  202-720-3897 Recall Management:  202-690-6389 Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/recalls/rec_intr.htm

DATE OF RECALL MEETING: August 03, 2004

RECALL CASE NUMBER: 030-2004