E. Coli O157:H7 outbreak found in Mighty Meaty Packaging Company
Sydney Peirce and Melanie Vynalek
WASHINGTON- A country-wide outbreak of E. Coli O157:H7 was found in the Mighty Meaty Packaging Company this Sunday and the company refuses to take the blame.
Larissa Kensington, wife of Mighty Meaty Packaging Company’s C.E.O. Big Bubba, held a press conference where she formally apologized for any company affiliation with the bacterial outbreak.
“We do not believe that this is our fault,” said Kensington. “I am so sorry about any and all of the outbreaks and anything that’s happened.”
Kensington spoke on behalf of her husband’s business and said that he could not be there because he “is a very busy man.” However, it was later found that he was being held for ransom.
Kensington also stated that the company “has been on top of all inspections” and stressed multiple times that Mighty Meaty Packaging Company “is not taking responsibility” for the outbreak.
When asked whether the source of the E. Coli was found, Kensington said, “We are looking.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, E. Coli, or Escherichia, is a bacterium that normally resides in the intestines of healthy people and animals. While most forms of E. Coli are harmless, a breakout of E. Coli O157:H7 can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Healthy adults can typically recover from an infection with E. Coli O157:H7 within a week. However, younger children and the elderly can develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
The death toll for this outbreak has already reached seven in the state alone.
“My heart goes out to anybody affected by the mistakes being made beyond our company,” said Kensington.
Despite the accusations made about Mighty Meaty Packing Company’s involvement in the sudden outbreak such as “The Company mistreats their animals” or that “They are a corrupt business”, they continue to call it “a freak accident” and deny any affiliation.
“We are trying to find who is at fault,” Kensington said. “That way the victims can be appropriately compensated.”
The company has never had a problem before, but the USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) are investigating anyway.
Kensington’s main focus for the company will be fixing the problem and rebuilding their name. “We do believe that we will be able to continue success into the future,” said Kensington.
The CDC said that the Mighty Meaty Packaging Company is not responsible for the outbreak, but Kensington is still prepared to have her company take responsibility if it is necessary.
“If our company is at fault, we will take the appropriate action.”
Kensington continues to stand by her company.
“Under no circumstances have we closed our company,” said Kensington. “We have held a production due to the fact that there’s a significant risk right now, but as I’ve said it is not our fault.”