WASHINGTON, DC - An additional 5 million pounds of raw beef products have been recalled by the United States Department of Agriculture, expanding a recall from Oct. 4. Beef products produced and packed from July 26, 2018, to Sept. 7, 2018, by JBS Tolleson Inc., may be contaminated with Salmonella. Products affected by the recall are labeled with ‘EST. 267’ inside the USDA mark of inspection and were shipped to retail locations and institutions nationwide.
A continued investigation by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the CDC and state public health and agriculture partners identified 246 confirmed case-patients from 25 states with illness onset dates ranging from August 5, 2018-October 16, 2018. An additional 16 case-patients have provided receipts or shopper card numbers for the product traceback investigations.
A traceback investigation regarding three case-patients have identified JBS Tolleson, Inc. EST 267 ground beef products that were not part of the Oct. 4, 2018, recall.
Consumption of the contaminated beef product can lead to salmonellosis, a common bacterial foodborne illness. Symptoms related to salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating the contaminated food. The illness usually lasts four to seven days with most people recovering without treatment. However, in some, symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization, such as older adults, infants and persons with a weakened immune system. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider, the USDA stated.
FSIS is concerned that some products are still in consumers freezers and those who do have products involved in the recall are urged not to eat them.
“These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the USDA stated in a news release. “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.”
It also advises all consumers to safely prepare raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at 800-727-2333. The FSIS is continuing to investigate illnesses connected to the outbreak and other products may also be recalled from other companies. A list of products affected can be found here.
