The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a recall of more than 42,000 pounds of ground beef from a New Jersey packaging company due to E. coli.
Lakeside Refrigerated Services, based in Swedesboro, has recalled about 42,922 pounds of ground beef products that have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced during the weekend.
The raw ground beef items were produced June 1, and many of the products were sold at retailers including Walmart and Food City. The affected meat bears an establishment number of “EST. 46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The problem was discovered during a routine FSIS testing. There have been no reports of illness due to consumption of the products.
“FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or 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,” reads a statement from the USDA.
Here’s a rundown of the products affected by the E. coli outbreak:
- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing "MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF" and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P-53298-82
- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of "MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES" and a use or freeze by date of June 27, 2020 and lot code P-53934-28
- 3-lb. vacuum packages containing three 1 lb. pieces of "MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF 93% LEAN / 7% FAT" and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P53929-70
- 1-lb. tray packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of "THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT" and a use or freeze by date of 06/25/20 and lot code P53944-10
- 4-lb. tray packages containing 10 ¼ lb. pieces of "THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80% LEAN / 20% FAT" and a use or freeze by date of 06/25/20 and lot code P53937-45
- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of "THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT" and a use or freeze by date of 06/27/20 and lot code P53935-25
- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing "VALUE PACK FRESH GROUND BEEF 76% LEAN / 24% FAT" and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P53930-18.
What could happen if these beef products are consumed?
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism, according to the USDA. Most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact the Lakeside Processing Center Call Center at 856-832-3881. Visit www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.for more on this recall and other recalls of food products.
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