Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Ground Beef Sold at Walmart, Other Stores Recalled Over E. Coli

Bacteria can cause serious complications in older adults

spinner image man shopping for ground beef in the grocery store
Getty Images

Over 40,000 pounds of ground beef has been recalled by the manufacturer due to possible contamination with E. coli, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The recall applies to Marketside Butcher and Thomas Farm brands produced by Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a New Jersey company, on June 1. Marketside Butcher is commonly sold a Walmart stores nationwide, and Thomas Farms products are sold at other retailers including Publix, Giant and Food City.

If you have one of the recalled products in your refrigerator or freezer, the USDA recommends that you throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. The “use or freeze” date could be as late as July 1, 2020.

"As soon as we were notified by Thomas Foods of the recall, we immediately began the process of alerting our stores and distribution centers to remove the affected product from our store shelves and inventory, including a sales restriction,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement to AARP. “Customers who have purchased the items identified in the recall should dispose of the product and return to their nearest Walmart for a full refund."

E. coli can be dangerous to older adults

The possible contamination was discovered during regular testing by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, part of the USDA. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reaction from consuming the recalled ground beef.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Although most people can recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This serious complication happens most commonly in older adults and children under 5, according to the USDA. Signs of HUS include easy bruising, paleness and decreased urine output.

The specific strain of E. coli tied to this ground beef recall is O157:H7.

List of recalled ground beef products

spinner image AARP Membership Card

Join AARP today for $16 per year. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. 

The following products are subject to recall and have establishment number “EST. 46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection:

  • 1-pound vacuum packages containing “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” and a use or freeze-by date of July 1 and lot code P-53298-82.

  • 1-pound vacuum packages containing four quarter-pound pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES” and a use or freeze-by date of June 27 and lot code P-53934-28.

  • 3-pound vacuum packages containing three 1 pound pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF 93% LEAN / 7% FAT” and a use or freeze-by date of July 1 and lot code P53929-70.

  • 1-pound tray packages containing four quarter-pound pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT” and a use or freeze-by date of June 25 and lot code P53944-10.

  • 4-pound tray packages containing 10 quarter-pound pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80% LEAN / 20% FAT” and a use or freeze-by date of June 25 and lot code P53937-45.

  • 1-pound vacuum packages containing four quarter-pound pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT” and a use or freeze-by date of June 27 and lot code P53935-25.

  • 1-pound vacuum packages containing “VALUE PACK FRESH GROUND BEEF 76% LEAN / 24% FAT” and a use or freeze-by date of July 1 and lot code P53930-18.

Unlock Access to AARP Members Edition

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

spinner image AARP Membership Card

Join AARP today for $16 per year. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.