Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products due to Possible E. coli O26 Contamination

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2018 Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The ground beef items were produced and packaged on June 21, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: ( Products List ) [ View Labels (PDF only)] The products subject to recall bear establishment number EST. 86R inside the USDA mark of inspection.

These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide. [ Distribution List PDF ] On Aug. 16, 2018, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O26 illnesses. FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health and agriculture partners determined that raw ground beef was the probable source of the reported illnesses.

The epidemiological investigation identified 17 illnesses and one death with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25, 2018. The Cargill Meat Solutions ground beef products were identified following further investigation related to Recall 072-2018, conducted on Aug. 30, 2018, where ground beef products were recalled in connection with the E. coli O26 outbreak.

FSIS traceback information indicated that case-patients consumed ground beef products purchased at various retail stores that were supplied by Cargill Meat Solutions. E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 28 days (average of 34 days) after exposure to the organism.

Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but rarely, some develop a more severe infection.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is common with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output.

Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately 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.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. gov/recalls . FSIS advises all consumers to 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. gov/safetempchart .

Consumers should take proper precautions when handling raw meat products. Proper hand washing after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination to other foods and kitchen surfaces. It is important to prevent cross-contamination by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water. com . Consumers with questions regarding the recall can call 1-844-419-1574. gov .

m. m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. gov/reportproblem .

Product Contamination