Walmart beef recall: The alarm bells are ringing as the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issues a recall for around 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products.
This announcement, made on a Wednesday, sent shockwaves through Walmart locations across the nation. The culprit? Products churned out by Cargill Meat Solutions on April 26-27, potentially tainted with E. coli.
Cargill Meat Solutions divulged to TIME that these suspect products found their way to 12 states: Connecticut, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York.
Why the fuss over E. coli? Because it’s no joke. Consumption of contaminated meat can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms ranging from dehydration to abdominal cramps. And worst of all, it could trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Thankfully, there haven’t been any confirmed cases of illness linked to these products just yet. But here’s the kicker: many unsuspecting consumers might have already stocked up on them.
So, what’s the FSIS urging? Check your fridges, folks! If you’ve picked up meat from Walmart recently, it’s time for a close inspection. Look for that USDA stamp of approval on the label.
As of Friday morning, the recalled products include:
- 2.25-pound plastic-wrapped trays of “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back label.
- 1.33-pound plastic-wrapped trays of four “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back label.
- 2.25-pound plastic-wrapped trays of “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back label.
- 2.25-pound plastic-wrapped trays of “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back label.
- 1.33-pound plastic-wrapped trays of four “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back label.
- 1.33-pound plastic-wrapped trays of four “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back label.
To get a good look at these labels, hop over to the FSIS website. If you find any of these products lurking in your fridge, don’t hesitate – toss them out! And if you’ve got receipts, Walmart’s got your back. You can snag a refund hassle-free at any Walmart store near you.
For those burning questions and concerns, Cargill Meat Solutions has set up a hotline. Reach out to them at 1-844-419-1574.
