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E. coli concerns prompt Walmart ground beef recall

BALTIMORE, MD—Cargill Meat Solutions has issued a recall for 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli. The recall affects products that were sold at Walmart nationwide.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall after Cargill reported that previously segregated product was mistakenly used in the production of ground beef. The products were printed with the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label and the establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back.

The raw ground beef items were produced on April 26-27, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels (PDF)]:

  • 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
  • 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
  • 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
  • 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
  • 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
  • 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.

According to the FSIS, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of the products. However, E. coli can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps two to eight days after exposure. In some cases, E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be fatal. The FSIS is concerned that the recall items may still be in some customer’s fridges or freezers.

Customers who have purchased the recall items are urged to throw them away immediately. Cargill Meat Solutions is also asking consumers to ensure that all ground beef products that they purchase are cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The USDA recommends that consumers use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of ground beef is high enough to kill harmful bacteria.

For more information on the recall and to see the full list of retailers potentially selling the recall items, visit the FSIS website. Consumers with questions can contact Cargill Meat Solutions at 1-844-419-1574.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Pixabay

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