A Pennsylvania-based company is recalling thousands of pounds of raw ground beef sold in Florida over potential bacteria contamination. Cargill Meat Solutions is pulling 16,243 pounds of meat because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on May 1.
Officials said these products were shipped to Walmart retail locations nationwide and bear the USDA's mark of inspection on the front label. They also have the establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the product label. The agency listed the affected products, which were produced on April 26 and 27:
- 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.
Cargill Meat Solutions notified FSIS after they noticed a "previously segregated product" was used in the ground beef's production, the release states.
Officials described E. coli O157:H7 as a "potentially deadly" bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps after exposure. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The condition is most common in young children and elderly individuals.
FSIS urges anyone who purchased the tainted meat not to consume it. They also advise consumers to throw the ground beef away or return it to the place of purchase. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recommends people clean any surfaces the E. coli-contaminated products come into contact with.
No reports of adverse reactions have been reported as of May 1.
Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Cargill Meat Solutions at 1-844-419-1574.