Sample Recall Consumer Statement

Scenario: Your company recalls 20,000 pounds of consumer chub-packed ground beef in the wake of a positive E. coli O157:H7 test. The media has covered the story. Consumers are calling.

• Like you, we are extremely concerned about this test result and recall. We have never had a recall of our ground beef before (if appropriate).

• I’d like to verify, if I could, where you bought the product...

• I want you to know that we take every step possible to prevent problems like these from occurring, but this is a tough bacteria to eliminate in raw product.

• Thorough cooking will destroy all bacteria in ground beef, including E. coli. We urge you to always cook your hamburger thoroughly until there is no pink visible and until the juices run clear. We also urge you to use a meat thermometer.

• We are conducting a thorough investigation into how this contamination occurred and will take additional measures to prevent it from occurring in the future.

• We want you to feel good about our product. Regardless of whether the product you purchased was involved in this recall, we are prepared to offer you a full refund. Simply mail the proof of purchase to...

• We also encourage you to contact the American Meat Institute for more food safety information at 703/841-2400 or visit its website at www.meatami.com