Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Over 16,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Amid E. Coli Contamination Fears

Cargill Meat Solutions, one of the nation's largest meat producers, has initiated a voluntary recall of approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products because of potential contamination with the dangerous E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. coli O157:H7 bacteria. The affected products, which were produced at Cargill's facility in Hazleton, Pennsylvania on April 26 and 27, 2024, were shipped toWalmart retail locationsacross 12 states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.

Why this matters: This recall highlights the ongoing concerns about food safety in the meat industry, which can have serious consequences for public health. This recall highlights the ongoing concerns about food safety in the meat industry, which can have serious consequences for public health. It also emphasizes the importance of stringent quality control measures and transparent recall procedures to protect consumers from potentially deadly contaminants.

The recall was prompted after Cargill discovered that "previously segregated product had been inadvertently utilized in the production of ground beef," according to a statement from the company. The potentially contaminated beef products are marked with the establishment number "EST. 86P" on the label and have lot codes 117 or 118. Six specific products are included in the recall, all bearing the "All Natural" label without the Cargill name.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has urged consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them. "FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers," the agency stated. "Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase."

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly strain of bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting that can occur between three to nine days after exposure. Most people recover within a week, but in some cases, the infection can lead to a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.

As of the recall announcement, no confirmed illnesses connected to the recalled ground beef have been reported. However, Cargill has stated that it is proceeding with the recall "out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with the USDA." The company has set up a consumer hotline at 1-844-419-1574 to address any questions or concerns.

This recall serves as a sobering illustration of the potential risks associated with raw meat products and the importance of proper handling and cooking practices. The FSIS recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed. As therecall continues, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and take immediate action if they have purchased any of the affected ground beef products.

Key Takeaways

• Cargill recalls 16,243 lbs of raw ground beef due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
• Affected products were shipped to Walmart stores in 12 states, including CT, MA, MD, NY, and more.
• Products have establishment number "EST. 86P" and lot codes 117 or 118, with "All Natural" label.
• Consumers are urged not to consume recalled products and to throw them away or return to store.
• E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe foodborne illness, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.