Arizona-based meat producer JBS Tolleson, Inc. is recalling 6,500,966 pounds of “various raw, non-intact beef products” because they may be contaminated with salmonella, the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Thursday.
Fifty-seven cases of salmonella illness linked to the outbreak were reported in 16 U.S. states between Aug. 5 and Sept. 6, and the USDA was first notified in September.
The recall was issued after health officials identified JBS through receipts and shopper cards as the common supplier of raw ground beef products that were found to be the “probable source” of reported salmonella illnesses.
The recalled products were sold nationwide under brand names like Walmart, Cedar River Farms Natural Beef and Showcase.
Most people infected with symptoms of salmonella usually begin develop signs within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever that can last anywhere between four and seven days.
Most people recover without treatment, but those who experience severe diarrhea may need to be hospitalized. People with weakened immune systems, children younger than 5 years old and adults older than 65 years of age are at most risk for severe illness.
In addition to the beef recall, the USDA issued a statement, advising consumers not to eat any meat they may still have in their fridge.
“FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the agency said in announcing the recall.
The USDA also reminded consumers to cook all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps kill harmful bacteria.
By: Maytinee Kramer
