E Coli scare: Cargill recalls 25,000 lbs of potentially contaminated beef

30 Aug 2018 --- A Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Colorado has issued a recall on more than 25,000 lbs (11,300 kg) of ground beef that could potentially be contaminated with E. Coli, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

E. Coli bacteria can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, with the symptoms occurring two to eight days after exposure. Most people recover in a week, but some develop a life-threatening type of kidney failure that is most common among older adults and those under five.

The so-called tainted meat carries an “EST. 86R” label inside the USDA mark of inspection and a use-by date of Sept. 5, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said earlier this week. It was shipped from Cargill’s facility in Fort Morgan, Colorado, US, to warehouses in California and Colorado, according to FSIS.

FSIS said the problem was initially discovered on Aug. 22 when the company checked its records and found the beef might have been associated with a product believed to be tested positive for E. Coli.

FSIS is now concerned that some of the beef might be frozen and in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. The agency said consumers should either throw the product out or return it to where it was purchased.

The company then notified FSIS, adding in its statement that there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to these products being eaten.

Cargill Meat Solutions is a Wichita, Kansas-based division of Cargill Inc.