US: E. coli risk prompts recall of 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart

Washington

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently recalled over 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart stores nationwide. 

Cargill Meat Solutions, the supplier of the ground beef has been issued a High-Class 1 recall due to possible E. coli contamination. This is the most serious level of recall, indicating a high health risk.

Those who purchased the ground beef are urged to check the labels and return it to the store for a full refund.

Also read: Melting ice, burning skin: Antarctic wildlife is getting sunburnt, scientists warn

The ground beef was shipped to Walmart stores in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, DC, and West Virginia, according to a spokesperson of Cargill.

The meat was produced on April 26 and 27, so the recall involves only packages sold after those dates. 

All six recalled products are stamped with an establishment number “EST. 86P” on the label on the back of the package.

However, Cargill Meat Solutions did not respond to questions about how the ground beef may have become contaminated.

Symptoms of E. Coli

Symptoms of E. coli are diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, which can occur between three to nine days after exposure. 

Also read: Watch: Scientists manage to capture Sun's closest video yet; ESA cautions 'don't be fooled' because...

The symptoms can become more severe for some, including high fever, dehydration, and not being able to keep anything down, including water. The infection can spread and cause a form of kidney failure that can sometimes be fatal.

(With inputs from agencies)