Illness, death linked to recalled beef
Sixty-six tons of ground beef are being recalled due to concerns that it may be contaminated with E. coli.
WASHINGTON - Sixty-six tons of ground beef are being recalled due to concerns that it may be contaminated with E. coli.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling 132,606 pounds of ground beef products made from the chuck portion of the carcass that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26.
The recall stems from an investigation that began in mid-August when health officials determined that 17 illnesses and one death in July were linked to the raw ground beef sold at various retail stores around the country.
The government categorized the recall as High Risk, meaning there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
According to the USDA, people coming in contact with the E. Coli can become ill in two to eight days after exposure.
Most people infected with the organism develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting.
Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample.
Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended.
Most people recover within a week, but rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is common with STEC O26 infection.
HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems.
It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Authorities are concerned that some people still have the beef in their freezers.
Anyone who purchased the beef is urged not to eat it, but throw it out or return it to the place of purchase.
The ground beef items were produced and packaged on June 21, 2018.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The following products are subject to recall:
3-lb. chubs of “OUR CERTIFIED 73/27 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with a USE OR FREEZE BY JUL/11/18 and case code 00228749057646.
3-lb. chubs of “OUR CERTIFIED 73/27 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with a USE OR FREEZE BY JUL/11/18 and case code 00228749002653.
10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL 73/27 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 00228749089098.
10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL 73/27 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 90028749002751.
10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL 81/19 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 90028749003536.
10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL GROUND BEEF 81/19 FINE GRIND” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 00228749003568.
10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL CHUCK GROUND BEEF 81/19 FINE GRIND” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 90028749402773.
20-lb. chubs of “EXCEL 81/19 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF COMBO” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 90028749073935.
10-lb. chubs of “Sterling Silver CHUCK GROUND BEEF 81/19 FINE GRIND” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 00228749702416.
10-lb. chubs of “CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF CHUCK GROUND BEEF 81/19 FINE GRIND” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 and case code 90028749802405.
10-lb. chubs of “CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF CHUCK GROUND BEEF 81/19 FINE GRIND” with a Use/Frz. By Jul 11 with case code 00228749802413.
10-lb. chubs of “Fire River Farms CLASSIC GROUND BEEF 81/19 FINE GRIND” with a USE/FREEZE BY: 07/11/2018 with case code 90734730297241.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can call 1-844-419-1574.
