The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued an urgent recall of numerous beef products due to potential contamination with E.coli, sparking fears of foodborne illness outbreaks across affected regions. The recall, affecting over 16,000 pounds of raw beef, comes after an inadvertent use of segregated product by Cargill Meat Solutions of Pennsylvania in the production of ground mince and burger patties.

Recalled Products:

The recall encompasses six ground beef products produced by Cargill Meat Solutions and distributed to Walmart stores across 12 states, including Connecticut, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York. The affected products bear the establishment number “EST. 86P” and include various types of ground beef and beef patties with corresponding lot codes.

Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators or freezers for any recalled products and refrain from consuming them. The FSIS advises either discarding the products or returning them to the point of purchase. Cargill Meat Solutions has established a consumer hotline (1-844-419-1574) for inquiries regarding the recall.

Potential Health Risks:

E.coli, a potentially deadly bacterium, can cause severe symptoms including dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While most individuals recover within a week, certain groups such as young children and elderly adults are at higher risk of developing serious health complications. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, can occur in 5 to 10 percent of infected individuals, requiring hospital treatment.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the consumption of the recalled products. However, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms related to E.coli infection after consuming beef products.