Walmart Recalls Over 16,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Across 9 States Due to E. Coli Concerns

Walmart recently issued a recall for over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products sold at its stores across 9 states that may be contaminated with E. coli. The potentially contaminated beef was produced by meat processor Cargill Meat Solutions and impacts 6 different types of ground beef products.

Details of the Walmart Ground Beef Recall

On May 2nd, 2024, Cargill Meat Solutions recalled approximately 16,234 pounds of raw ground beef that was processed at their facility in Pennsylvania on April 26-27. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after being notified by Cargill that product that should have been kept separate was accidentally used in ground beef production.

The recalled ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a bacteria that can cause severe illness marked by bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in severe cases, kidney failure.

The following ground beef products sold at Walmart are impacted by the recall:

• 2.25-lb trays of 93% lean ground beef with lot code 117
• 1.33-lb trays of ground beef patties with lot code 118
• 2.25-lb trays of 85% lean ground beef with lot code 117
• 2.25-lb trays of 80% lean ground beef with lot code 118
• 1.33-lb trays of 80% lean ground beef patties with lot code 118
• 1.33-lb trays of 90% lean ground beef patties with lot code 118

All recalled products have the establishment number “EST 86P” on the label,

Which States are Impacted by the Walmart Ground Beef Recall?

The recalled ground beef was shipped to Walmart locations in 9 states

• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• New York
• Vermont
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland
• North Carolina

What to Do If You Purchased the Recalled Walmart Ground Beef

If you purchased any of the recalled raw ground beef products from Walmart, the FSIS recommends throwing it away or returning it to the store for a refund. The ground beef should not be consumed, as it may cause E. coli illness especially in young children and the elderly.

Walmart has posted the recall notice on its website. Consumers can contact Cargill with questions at 1-844-419-1574.

The FSIS also advises cooking all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, checked with a food thermometer, to kill any bacteria like E. coli that may be present. Properly cooking ground beef can prevent foodborne illnesses.

E. Coli Infection Symptoms and Dangers

E. coli O157:H7 infection typically causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms begin 3-4 days after ingesting the bacteria and most people recover within a week.

However, some people go on to develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. HUS is most common in young children and older adults. Symptoms include bruising easily, paleness, and decreased urination. HUS is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization.

Around 5-10% of those diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 infection develop HUS. Unfortunately, HUS can lead to serious complications like high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, kidney damage, and death.

If you believe you may have gotten sick from consuming the recalled Walmart ground beef, seek medical care and tell your doctor about the possible E. coli exposure. Prompt treatment for dehydration and kidney failure can prevent serious complications.

Food recalls like this Walmart ground beef reminder highlight the importance of proper food handling and cooking meat thoroughly. Paying attention to recall announcements helps protect you and your family from foodborne illnesses like E. coli.