The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that ground beef shipped to Walmart stores has been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination.
Supplier Cargill Meat Solutions recalled packages of ground beef produced between April 26 and 27. This measure affects several Walmart stores in the United States.
Details of Recalled Raw Ground Beef Products
The products, manufactured on April 26-27, 2024, include a variety of ground beef items sold under different descriptions:
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.
Each product carries the USDA mark of inspection and specific lot codes and establishment numbers indicating their production specifics. Click this link to see the labels of the recalled products.
Recalled Raw Ground Beef Sold at Walmart in 9 States
The contaminated beef products were distributed to Walmart stores in nine states, from Massachusetts to North Carolina. The retailer has published a recall notice on its website, urging consumers who may have purchased these products to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
What to Do If You Purchased Recalled Ground Beef from Walmart
The FSIS advises consumers to not consume the recalled products. If the products are already in your refrigerator or freezer, they should be discarded or returned. Consumers with additional concerns can contact Cargill directly at 1-844-419-1574.
Health Impacts of E. coli Contamination in Raw Ground Beef
To date, there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to this recall. However, the risk posed by E. coli O157:H7 should not be underestimated, as it can lead to severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within a few days after exposure. In severe cases, especially in young children and the elderly, it can lead to a life-threatening form of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
FSIS continues to emphasize the importance of cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, which should be verified with a food thermometer, to ensure safety from pathogens.
