Think twice before you take a bite out of the hamburger. A beef manufacturer is recalling more than 5 million more pounds of raw beef products after a Salmonella outbreak cause nearly 250 people to become sick.
The recall was initially issued in early October. And now there is a massive increase in the recall due to concerns that consumers may have affected products in their freezers. The total tally is now nearly 12 million pounds of beef that could be affected and need to be recalled.
The USDA is classifying the recall as Class I. That means that there’s reasonable probability that eating the beef will result in serious health consequences.
The beef which has been added to the original recall was packaged between July 26, 2018 and Sept. 7, 2018. The beef has the establishment number “EST. 267” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Some brand names of the affected beef include Kroger, Gourmet Burger, JBS generic and Showcase.
The beef was sold nationwide.
Investigators have confirmed a total of 246 cases of Salmonella in 26 states since July 26.
Consumers should check any beef that may be in your freezer. It you have it you should throw it away immediately.
The USDA posted this information on their webpage:
“Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.”
More details about this massive recall can be found at fsis.usda.gov.