Check Your Fridges and Freezers! Walmart Ground Beef Recall Due to Potential E. coli Contamination is Nationwide.

Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on May 19, 2024

A Walmart ground beef recall has consumers checking their fridges and freezers!

Cargill Meat Solutions, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, issued a recall for approximately 16,243 pounds of their raw ground beef products due to potential contamination with the harmful bacteria, E. coli O157:H7. A Shiga toxin-producing strain of the bacteria.

But the reason for the recall may surprise you.

Here’s what we know.

What Is the Reason for the Walmart Ground Beef Recall This Week?

Recalls happen for a lot of different reasons, but ultimately it is to remove potentially dangerous products from the marketplace. Recalls also help to notify consumers in case they have already purchased the product.

Sometime a recall is prompted by an internal investigation. Other times it is initiated following routine testing that reveals the presence of a human health hazard. In some cases, sick patients traceback information points to a specific food product.

In this case, Cargill Meat Solutions notified the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) of an internal issue.

A previously segregated product was inadvertently used in the production of some of their ground beef products.

Based on the voluntary recall, that segregated product was likely pulled due to internal testing that revealed the presence of E. coli contamination. When it was discovered that these segregated products were used to make other ground beef products, a recall was initiated.

What Products Are Included in the Walmart Ground Beef Recall Notification?

Products included in the Walmart ground beef recall notification include ground beef items produced between April 26, 2024, and April 27, 2024.

Recalled products include:

• 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.

Affected products were shipped to Walmart stores nationwide.

No Confirmed Reports of Illness So Far

There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reaction due to consuming these potentially affected products to date. However, anyone concerned about an illness or symptoms of E. coli infection should contact a healthcare provider.

E. coli Can Cause Serious Illness

E. coli bacteria, more formally known as Escherichia coli, are bacteria that live in the intestines of both humans and animals. Some of these E. coli bacteria are even a normal part of the human digestive system.

Others, on the other hand, can cause serious illness or even death.

Unfortunately, the E. coli discussed for this Walmart ground beef recall is not the friendly kind. In fact, this recall involves the potentially deadly Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria known as STEC O157:H7.

Common E. coli Infection Symptoms

Common E. coli infection symptoms involve dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms often begin within a week (usually three to four days) after exposure to the organism. People usually begin feeling better within a week.

However, some people may develop a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, is a type of kidney failure associated with STEC infections associated with this Walmart ground beef recall.

Toxins break down some of the cells in the blood. These fragments make their way to the kidneys where the blood is cleaned. Unfortunately, it clogs parts of the kidney, resulting in reduced or failed function.

While anyone of any age can develop this type of complication, it is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults.

Common signs of HUS include decreased urine output, paleness in the cheeks and lower eyelids, and easy bruising.

People experiencing HUS symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Without prompt treatment and hospitalization, HUS can be deadly. Most people recover from this illness. However, others may experience permanent damage or even die.

FSIS Urges Consumers to Check Refrigerators and Freezers and to Cook Food to Appropriate Internal Temperatures

Many people freeze meats like those included in this recall. The FSIS is concerned that some of the recalled product may already be stored in consumers’ freezers or refrigerators. Consumers are urged to compare ground beef products purchased from Walmart to the recall notice.

Additionally, the FSIS is advising all consumers to “safely prepare their raw meat products.” This is not a request limited to recalled products, but a blanket reminder that all raw meat carries some risk of contamination. In fact, heating has not been shown to successfully neutralize toxins formed by bacteria. Recalled product is not safe to eat at any temperature.

Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 °F. It is impossible to determine if a food has reached a high enough temperature to kill potential pathogens without a food thermometer. Color of juices and cooking time are not reliable methods for food safety.

Have You Become Sick from Consuming a Walmart Ground Beef Recall Product?

Have you become sick from consuming a Walmart ground beef recall product? E. coli infections can be serious, causing life-threatening illness and potential complications. If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Walmart ground beef recall and become seriously ill, you may have a legal case.

The experienced E. coli Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can go over the details of your situation. Call (833) 330-3663 or click here for more information.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer