The US Department of Agriculture issued a recall on Wednesday for more than 16,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination.
Cargill Meat Solutions initiated the recall for ground beef packages bearing the establishment ID “EST. 86P,” which were manufactured between April 26 and 27.
These packages, lacking the Cargill brand on the primary packaging, were distributed to Walmart stores nationwide.
No cases of illness have been reported so far, according to the USDA.
USA TODAY reached out to Cargill for a response but has not received one yet.
Consumers in possession of the affected packages are urged to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Individuals displaying symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek immediate medical attention.
The strain of E. coli detected in the beef, O157:H7, raised public health concerns after it was discovered in packages of beef from Greater Omaha Packing Co. last month. The FDA and CDC announced an investigation into a potential multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to organic walnuts sold in food co-ops or natural food stores.
The recalled ground beef products include:
– 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
– 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
– 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
– 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P.”
– 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.”
– 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.”
While most strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are harmless, some can cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested, according to the CDC. These pathogens typically spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals or individuals. Proper hand hygiene, especially after restroom use, is essential in preventing the transmission of E. coli by food handlers. Livestock, such as cattle, can also contribute to E. coli contamination of food and crops.
