May 2, 2024 – More than 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef packaged in trays for Walmart stores is being recalled because of potential E. coli bacterial contamination.
The specific strain detected, called E. coli O157:H7, is especially known for causing severe intestinal problems. It produces a toxin that damages the intestinal wall, leading to bloody diarrhea.
The 1.33-pound and 2.25-pound plastic-covered trays of ground beef were produced April 26 and April 27, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recall notice. People who recently purchased ground beef at Walmart should check their refrigerator or freezer to see if they have any of the six products, all of which contain the lot code 118 or 117 and the establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on package labels. The USDA published images of the labels from the six package types, described as:
- 2.25-lb. 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-lb. 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-lb. 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-lb. 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-lb. 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-lb. 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
Walmart published a list of stores where the meat was sold, and the recall notice stated the products were shipped to stores nationwide.
The recall was issued by Cargill Meat Solutions, according to a notice on the USDA website, after identifying “previously segregated product had been inadvertently utilized in the production of ground beef.” The notice said there "have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products."
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Cargill Meat Solutions at 844-419-1574. Affected packages should be thrown away or returned to where they were purchased.
The recall notice warned that “E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”