Coli Fears: Walmart Recalls 16,000 Pounds of Meat Sold in 11 States

Ground Beef Contaminated with E. coli

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a recall notice for over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef sold at Walmart stores across the nation due to potential contamination with E. coli bacteria.

Affected Products

The recalled ground beef was produced on March 31, 2023, and packaged in plastic-wrapped trays labeled as "93 LEAN 7 FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" with a package code of "EST. 18536." The affected meat was distributed to Walmart locations in 11 states:

• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Texas
• Utah

Health Concerns and Recall Actions

E. coli contamination can cause serious health issues, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. In severe cases, the infection can lead to kidney failure or even death. Consumers who have purchased the recalled ground beef should discard it immediately or return it to their local Walmart store.

The USDA has urged consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected products and dispose of them properly. The affected products are no longer available for purchase, and a recall was not requested as they have already been removed from store shelves.

Conclusion

This recall highlights the importance of food safety and the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing and consuming meat products. The USDA is closely monitoring the situation and working with Walmart to ensure that all affected products have been removed from the market. Consumers are encouraged to follow the USDA's food safety guidelines and to report any potential foodborne illnesses to health authorities.