More Than 16,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Is Being Recalled Nationwide—Here's What You Need to Know
For those of you that planned on firing up the grill with a few beef burgers this weekend, you may want to think again. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), there's a nationwide recall on ground beef that everyone should be aware of.
The recall—which was issued by Cargill Meat Solutions, a Hazleton, Pennsylvania company—was released on May 1 and notes that 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Sold to Walmart stores nationwide, the items in question were produced on April 26 and April 27, 2024 and each bear the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the product label as well as the establishment number "EST.86P" printed on the back of the label.
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Cargill Meat Solutions reported the problem after it was identified that previously segregated items were utilized in the production of ground beef. The contaminated items include the following:
2.25-pounds 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-pounds 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-pounds 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-pounds 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-pounds 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-pounds 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.
For those unaware, E.coli O157:H7 is "a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after exposure the organism." As the USDA notes, a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can also occur in persons of any age, but most commonly in children under 5 years old.
Although the affected meat is no longer on shelves, the FSIS is urging customers to check their fridges or freezes as they are concerned that consumers may still have some in their possession. If you do happen to have the product at home, it is advised to throw it away or return it to its place of purchase immediately.
For those with questions about the recall, you can contact Cargill Meat Solutions at 1-844-419-1574.
