Walmart Ground Beef Recalled for E. Coli Concerns

Several varieties of ground beef were recalled from Walmart stores nationwide over concerns that they may be contaminated with E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday.

Approximately 16,000 pounds of products may be contaminated with the bacteria, which is known to cause severe illness in adults 65 and older.

The issue was reported to the USDA after it was discovered that meat previously taken out of production was mistakenly used in the production of the ground beef.

There have been no reports of illness or death related to the consumption of the recalled ground beef.

How to identify the recalled ground beef

The recalled ground beef was manufactured by Cargill Meat Solutions of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on April 26 and 27. The affected meat was sold in plastic-wrapped trays and has the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the product with establishment number “EST. 86” printed on the back.

The recalled products are:

• 93 percent lean, 7 percent fat all-natural lean ground beef sold in 2.25-pound packages with lot code 117
• Prime rib beef steak burger patties sold in 1.33-pound packages with lot code 118 
• 85 percent lean, 15 percent fat all-natural Angus premium ground beef sold in 2.25-pound packages with lot code 117
• 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat all-natural ground beef chuck sold in 1.33-pound packages with lot code 118
• 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat all-natural ground beef chuck patties sold in 1.33-pound packages with lot code 118
• 90 percent lean, 10 percent fat all-natural ground beef sirloin patties sold in 1.33-pound packages with lot code 118

The USDA is concerned that recalled ground beef might still be in people’s refrigerators or freezers. If you have these products, don’t eat them. Instead, throw them away or return them to store where they were purchased.

Click here for a list of Walmart stores that sold the products and find a list of the product labels here.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection

Escherichia coli is a bacterium commonly found in the environment, food and the intestines of humans and animals. While many types of E. coli are harmless, some can cause sickness. Symptoms of an E. coli infection can begin two to eight days after exposure and may include diarrhea, dehydration, urinary tract infections, respiratory problems and abdominal cramps, among others.

Although most people recover within a week, some may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. Severe illness from an E. coli infection is more common in older adults and children under 5. Look out for signs like easy bruising, pale skin and reduced urine output. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.