The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent recall for approximately 16,243 pounds of ground beef products sold at Walmart stores across multiple states. The meats, produced by Cargill Meat Solutions, may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
The recalled items include 2.25-lb trays of 93% lean ground beef, 1.33-lb packs of Prime Rib beef patties, 2.25-lb trays of 85% lean Angus ground beef, and various packages of 80% lean ground chuck and ground sirloin patties.
All bear the establishment number “EST. 86P” and were produced on April 26-27, 2024. Consumers are urged to check product labels carefully.
The potentially tainted ground beef was distributed to Walmart stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), E. coli is a harmful bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration within 2-8 days of consumption. While most recover within a week, the infection can lead to serious kidney complications, especially for older adults and young children.
The USDA warns anyone experiencing symptoms like easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output to seek immediate medical attention, as it may indicate hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled Cargill ground beef products should discard them immediately or return them to Walmart for a full refund. The USDA stresses that these products should not be consumed.
