Ground Beef Sold at Walmart Recalled for E. Coli Contamination

More than 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart and other retailers have been recalled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture amidst E. coli contamination concerns.

The official recall was posted on the government agency’s website on Wednesday, May 1, with officials noting that the beef was produced between April 26 and April 27. All affected products have the official USDA label on them and contain the establishment number EST. 86P. A full list of recalled beef labels can be found here.

The beef was produced for Walmart and other retailers by Pennsylvania-based Cargill Meat Solutions, but it is unclear when the E. coli contamination was discovered. No illnesses have been reported due to the contamination.

Consumers are encouraged to either throw the products away or return them to the point of purchase at Walmart, or other retailers, for a full refund. Consumers are also advised to clean and sanitize all surfaces the affected meat came in contact with to avoid E. coli infection.

E. coli is a common gut bacteria found naturally in the body, generally posing no significant harm. However, specific strains like O157:H7, possibly found in the Walmart ground beef, can lead to symptoms such as watery stools, high fever, and vomiting, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. In severe instances, E. coli infection can even be fatal, particularly among the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

This is the second recall this week that has been issued due to E. coli concerns.

On Tuesday, April 30, California-based Gibson Farms issued a voluntary recall of its organic walnut halves and pieces after the company discovered the potential E. coli infection. The walnuts were sold in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, with 12 people being infected with E. coli so far.

Additionally, last month, a public health alert was issued for Greater Omaha Ground Beef products that may have been contaminated with E. coli. The raw ground beef was produced on March 28, 2024, and had a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024.