Recent Beef Recall: What You Need to Know for Safe Eating

If you’ve been following the news lately, you may have heard about a recent beef recall that’s left many shoppers feeling uneasy. Food recalls can be confusing, especially when it comes to something as common as ground beef. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happened in the latest beef recall, which products were affected, how to keep your family safe, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about food recalls. Let’s get started so you can shop and cook with confidence!

What Happened in the Latest Beef Recall?

In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a major recall involving over 16,000 pounds of ground beef. This recall was issued because the beef may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a bacteria that can cause serious illness if ingested.

The recall was classified as a Class I, which means there is a high risk that eating the product could lead to health problems. The issue was discovered during routine testing by FSIS, and thankfully, no confirmed illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall announcement.

Which Beef Products Were Recalled?

The beef products included in this recall were produced by Cargill Meat Solutions at their Hazleton, Pennsylvania facility. The affected products were produced on April 26 and 27, 2024, and shipped to retailers across several states.

Here’s what you need to look for:

• 1 lb., 3 lb., and 10 lb. packages of ground beef labeled with “USDA EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection
• Products with use/freeze by dates of May 17, 2024, or May 18, 2024
• Sold under various brand names including Walmart’s “All Natural Ground Beef” and Sam’s Club “All Natural Ground Beef”

If you have any of these products in your fridge or freezer, it’s important to check the packaging carefully. If you’re unsure or can’t find the information, it’s safest to throw it out or return it to the store.

Why Was This Beef Recalled?

The ground beef was recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. This particular strain of E. coli can cause severe foodborne illness, especially in young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Vomiting
• Fever

Most people recover within a week, but some can develop more serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which affects the kidneys and can be life-threatening.

How Can You Stay Safe?

If you think you may have purchased recalled beef, here are some steps you should take:

1. Do not eat the product. Even if it looks or smells fine, harmful bacteria may still be present.
2. Check your refrigerator and freezer. Look for the specific product codes and dates listed in the recall notice.
3. Dispose of recalled products safely. Put them in a sealed bag before throwing them away to avoid contaminating other foods or surfaces.
4. Clean and sanitize any surfaces (like countertops or refrigerator shelves) that may have come into contact with the recalled beef.
5. If you develop symptoms of E. coli infection after eating ground beef, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness from Beef

While food recalls are rare, it’s always smart to follow safe food handling practices at home:

• Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw meat.
• Store beef properly: Refrigerate or freeze ground beef as soon as possible after purchase.
• Thaw safely: Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator, not on the countertop.

What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Beef?

If you find that you have any of the recalled products at home:

• Don’t eat it!
• Return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund or dispose of it safely.
• Contact the store or manufacturer if you have questions about refunds or replacement products.

How Do Food Recalls Work?

The FSIS and other government agencies monitor food safety through inspections and testing. When a problem is found—such as contamination with harmful bacteria—the company is required to notify customers and remove affected products from stores. Recalls are often voluntary but are closely monitored by federal authorities to ensure public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my beef is part of the recall?

Check your packaging for the product codes, brand names, and use/freeze by dates listed above. If you’re unsure, contact your retailer or visit the FSIS website for more details.

I already cooked and ate some recalled beef. What should I do?

If you cooked the beef thoroughly (to at least 160°F), the risk of illness is lower. However, monitor yourself for symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting. If any symptoms develop, contact your doctor.

No one in my family feels sick—should I still throw out the beef?

Yes. It’s best not to take any chances with potentially contaminated food—even if no one feels sick yet.

Will stores notify me if I bought recalled products?

Larger retailers often try to contact customers through loyalty programs or purchase records. However, not everyone will be notified directly, so it’s important to stay informed through news reports or government websites.

Can I freeze beef to kill E. coli?

No—freezing does not kill E. coli bacteria. Only proper cooking will make ground beef safe to eat.

Where can I get more information about this recall?

You can visit the FSIS website for official updates and details on all current recalls.

The Bottom Line

The recent ground beef recall is a reminder of why it’s so important to stay informed about food safety. By checking your fridge and freezer for recalled products and following safe cooking practices, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from foodborne illness. If you ever have questions about a recall or food safety in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local health department or visit trusted sources like FSIS online.

Stay safe in the kitchen—and remember: when in doubt, throw it out!