E. Coli Recall: Beef Sold At Walmart Pulled From IL Stores

ILLINOIS — More than 42,900 pounds of ground beef products sold at Walmart and other retailers nationwide has been pulled from stores over fears that it may be contaminated with E. coli, a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and in severe cases, even kidney failure.

The ground beef, sold under brands including Marketside Butcher and Thomas Farms, was produced June 1 at Lakeside Refrigerated Services in New Jersey.

The following products have been recalled:

• 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.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number "EST. 46841" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide. Product labels can be seen here.

According to the recall notice, the potential E. coli contamination was discovered during routine U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) testing. FSIS said it is concerned some potentially tainted product may still be in customers' refrigerators and freezers. Recalled product should not be consumed and should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Anyone who believes they may have been sickened by the beef should contact their health care provider. So far, there are no reports of customers becoming sick from eating the recalled beef.

While most people who are sickened by E. coli bacteria recover within a week, some people — most commonly children under age 5 and the elderly — can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. The illness is marked by easy bruising, paleness and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.