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A major recall has been issued for more than 100,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a strain of bacteria that can cause serious illness. The affected products were distributed nationwide and include various packages of ground beef processed by American Foods Group, a major meat supplier.
Details of the Recall
Product Scope: The recall includes specific batches of ground beef packaged in 10-pound chubs and other retail cuts with production dates ranging from late October to early November 2024.
Distribution: The recalled meat was shipped to grocery stores, wholesalers, and food service establishments across the United States.
Labeling: Consumers are urged to check for establishment number "EST. 18076" on packaging, which indicates the recalled products.
Discovery and Health Risks
Routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified E. coli contamination in a random sample from the production line. E. coli O157:H7 is known to cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. In some cases, particularly among young children and the elderly, the infection can lead to kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome), which can be life-threatening.
Advice for Consumers
Check and Dispose: Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected products and dispose of them immediately. Retailers are also pulling the recalled meat from shelves.
Proper Handling: Even if not part of the recall, ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill harmful bacteria.
Seek Medical Attention: Anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection after consuming ground beef should contact a healthcare provider.
Regulatory Response
The FSIS is working with the company to investigate how the contamination occurred and ensure that all affected products are removed from circulation. This recall follows a series of similar incidents this year, prompting increased scrutiny of food safety practices in meat processing facilities.
Consumers seeking more information can contact the company’s hotline or the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline. This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant food safety measures to prevent such outbreaks.