16,000 pounds of ground beef shipped to Walmart recalled over E. coli contamination fears

Chad Murphy, Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read
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Cargill Meat Solutions of Hazleton, Pennsylvania is recalling about 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef that may be contaminated by E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.

According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, the meat was produced on April 26 and 27, 2024 and shipped to Walmart stores across the country. The recalled products all bear the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the product label, and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the label's back. See photos of all the recalled products here.

Cargill reported the issue to the food inspection service after a product that had previously been set aside was inadvertently used in the production of its ground beef, according to the USDA.

The USDA advises customers who have any of the affected products to throw them away or return them to the store. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling approximately 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli.
Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling approximately 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli.

Recalled ground beef at Walmart

According to the USDA, the following products have been recalled:

  • 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.

Symptoms of E. coli illnesses

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are harmless, normally living in the intestines of people and animals, and are an important part of a healthy human intestinal tract, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But some can cause illness outside of the intestinal tract.

The strain found in the beef -- E. coli O157:H7 -- is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps from 2 to 8 days -- but 3 to 4 days on average -- after exposure.

While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. It can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under age 5 and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

According to USA TODAY reports, that E. coli strain prompted a public health alert after it was found in packages of Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef last month.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Walmart ground beef being recalled over possible E. coli contamination