The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Hazleton, Pennsylvania-based Cargill Meat Solutions, has issued a recall for over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7.
Background
The recall was initiated after Cargill Meat Solutions discovered that “previously segregated product had been inadvertently utilized in the production of ground beef.”
The affected product was distributed to Walmart retail stores across the United States.
Product Details
- Dates of Production: April 26 and 27, 2024
- Products:
- 93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF (2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays) with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
- PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES (1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four patties) with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
- 85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF (2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays) with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
- 80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK (2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays) with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
- 80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES (1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four patties) with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
- 90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES (1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four patties) with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
- All recalled products bear the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label
Consumer Action
Consumers should check their refrigerators or freezers for the affected products and are strongly urged not to consume any that are found. Consumers should instead dispose of the affected products or return to point of purchase.
Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Cargill Meat Solutions at 844-419-1574.
Health Risks
Fortunately, no illnesses related to the affected products have been reported. However, consumers who believe they may have been exposed to the recalled products or who show symptoms of E. coli infection should contact their healthcare provider.
E. coli is a bacterium with the potential to be fatal, inducing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue from dehydration that appear three to four days after the initial infection, though in some cases, symptoms don’t appear for over a week.
Although unpleasant, most symptoms subside within a week. In extreme cases, individuals experience hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a deadly complication that shuts down the kidneys and other vital organs. Symptoms of HUS include less frequent urination, loss of color in the cheeks and inner eyelids, and extreme fatigue. Anyone showing one or more of these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Food recalls are essential for public health, and it’s crucial to follow guidelines issued by regulatory agencies. Consumers that have any of the recalled products should take appropriate action to protect themselves and their family.”
