It's pretty bad when there is an E.Coli contamination that's found in beef supplies in the civilized world -- but it's rather odd and comical when a possible contamination is found in beef that was stolen.

That's what the USDA reported this past Thursday, as14,800 pounds of stolen beef were referenced in a public health alert (not a recall). A refrigerated trailer owned by Texas American Food Service Corporation was stolen with the beef on board, probably to be fenced somewhere in California. That was a joke.

So, with a "public health alert," the USDA basically is saying they have no clue if the beef will end up in the U.S. food supply -- but when it does, better watch out for signs of E.Coli contamination -- like potentially severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and dehydration.