HARTFORD, Conn. -- Rep. Rosa DeLauro released a statement on the recent E. coli outbreak and beef recall on Monday calling it "completely preventable."

National Steak and Poultry recalled 248,000 pounds of beef after the possibility of E. coli contamination.

DeLauro said, "This recent E. coli outbreak involving steaks is especially disturbing given that it appears to have been completely preventable. USDA has been aware of the E. coli risks associated with mechanically tenderized steaks as early as 1999, but has refused to act. The USDA should move immediately to require labeling that clearly identifies mechanically tenderized beef and pork products for all processing facilities, retailers and consumers. Restaurants, grocery stores, and consumers should be made fully aware of the products they are receiving so they can assure that they are cooked at the appropriate temperature. This outbreak also highlights the need for the Obama Administration to appoint immediately a strong and effective leader to be Undersecretary for Food Safety at USDA. This position has been vacant for far too long and it is preventing the department from acting on critical food safety issues such as this one."