Cargill Meat Solutions, based in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has issued a recall of approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The raw ground beef items were produced on April 26-27, 2024. The following products are subject to recall:
- 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.
The recalled products, bearing the USDA mark of inspection on the front label and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back, were distributed to Walmart stores nationwide.
This action comes after Cargill identified the inadvertent use of previously segregated product in the production of ground beef.
While no confirmed reports of illnesses associated with these products have been reported, individuals concerned about potential health risks are advised to consult a healthcare professional.
E. coli O157:H7 is a hazardous bacterium known to cause severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration within 2-8 days of exposure. In some cases, particularly among vulnerable populations like young children and older adults, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition characterized by kidney failure.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products and avoid consuming them. Instead, they should be disposed of or returned to the point of purchase.
