A significant recall of ground beef, potentially tainted with E. Coli, has been issued, impacting 16,000 pounds of the product, as divulged by the US Department of Agriculture on Wednesday.
The ground beef in question, hailing from Cargill Meat Solutions, was produced over the course of two days, April 26th and 27th, and is identifiable by the establishment ID “EST. 86P”. The packaging does not bear the Cargill name on its exterior and has been distributed to Walmart stores nationwide.
Despite the magnitude of the recall, the USDA has yet to receive reports of associated illnesses.
Cargill remains silent on the issue, failing to respond to a request for comment put forth by USA TODAY.
Consumers who have procured the potentially contaminated packages are urged to either discard them or return them to the store from which they were purchased. In case of symptoms indicative of E. Coli poisoning, immediate medical attention is advised.
The specific strain of E. Coli discovered in the beef, O157:H7, is the same one that spurred a public health alert after being found in Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef packages last month. Investigations are currently underway by the FDA and CDC into a possible multistate E. Coli outbreak linked to organic walnuts sold in food co-ops or natural food stores.
Details on the Recalled Walmart Ground Beef:
- 2.25-lbs. trays of “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label.
- 1.33-lbs. trays containing four “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label.
- 2.25-lbs. trays of “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label.
- 2.25-lbs. trays of “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label.
- 1.33-lbs. trays containing four “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label.
- 1.33-lbs. trays containing four “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label.
E. Coli: What Is It, and What Symptoms Does It Cause?
The Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria typically dwell harmlessly within the intestines of both people and animals. However, certain strains can induce mild to severe gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested, according to the CDC.
Contamination can occur through food or water that has been in contact with feces, or through close contact with animals or people. For example, food handlers can inadvertently spread the infection when they neglect to wash their hands properly after using the restroom. Cattle are also known to transmit E. coli to food and food crops.
E. coli infections can manifest as intense stomach cramps, diarrhea (which can often be bloody), and vomiting, persisting for approximately five to seven days. Infections usually appear three to four days post-ingestion of the bacterium, the CDC reports.
