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Millions of Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Due to Suspected Salmonella Contamination

Pasquale Paolo Cardo
/
Flickr

An Arizona company is recalling more than six-and-a-half-million pounds of raw beef items that were shipped nationwide due to salmonella. 

According to the USDA, 57 patients in 16 states have been sickened by salmonella, and the Centers for Disease Control has determined that raw ground beef distributed by JBS Tolleson was the probable source of the illnesses. 

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after consumption.  Most people recover without treatment, but in some, especially older adults, infants and those with weakened immune systems, the illness can be severe.

The beef was packaged on various dates between July 26 and September 7. The Food Safety and Inspection Service is concerned consumers might still have contaminated beef in their freezers.

Some of the recalled beef was sold at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs. 

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 267” inside the USDA mark of inspection.  Items included in the recall should be thrown away or returned to their place of purchase.

Click here to view a list of recalled prodcuts.  

According to the FSIS, to avoid illness consumers should "safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. Other cuts of beef should be cooked to a temperature of 145 °F and allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes. The only way to confirm that ground beef or other cuts of beef are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature."

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.