By: Richard L. Smith
Cargill Meat Solutions, based in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of various raw ground beef products over concerns of E. coli O157:H7 contamination, as announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The affected products, produced on April 26-27, 2024, include multiple varieties of ground beef and patties distributed to Walmart stores nationwide.
The recall includes the following:
- 2.25-lb trays of "93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" (Lot code 117)
- 1.33-lb trays of "PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES" (Lot code 118)
- 2.25-lb trays of "85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF" (Lot code 117)
- 2.25-lb trays of "80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK" (Lot code 118)
- 1.33-lb trays of "80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES" (Lot code 118)
- 1.33-lb trays of "90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES" (Lot code 118)
These products can be identified by the establishment number "EST. 86P" on the back of the product labels, alongside the USDA mark of inspection on the front.
The recall was initiated after Cargill discovered that products previously segregated due to potential contamination risks had inadvertently been used in production.
While there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products, FSIS urges consumers who have purchased these items to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness, characterized by dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, typically occurring 2-8 days after exposure.
Consumers concerned about health issues should consult their healthcare provider.