Three Sick as Tainted Beef Being Recalled from NH Hannaford Stores

The state Division of Public Health reports three cases of salmonellosis have been identified in New Hampshire residents in connection with contaminated ground beef from Cargill Meat Solutions, which is sold at Hannaford supermarkets.

Cargill is recalling 29,339 pounds of beef products that may have been contaminated with the bacteria Salmonella Enteriditis, Dr. José Montero, the director of Public Health at New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, announced Monday. 

The contaminated beef was distributed through Hannaford supermarkets.

Doctor Montero said in a statement:

"Contaminated food is always concerning, but since we cannot always know if a food is contaminated or not, it is very important that it be handled correctly. All ground beef should be cooked until the internal temperature is 160°F or greater using a food thermometer. People should take care not to cross-contaminate while cooking either, which means make sure to wash hands often, wash utensils that come in contact with raw meats or something else before using, and make sure meat juices do not come in contact with other foods."

The Cargill ground beef was processed on May 25, so the use-by-date has already passed. Public Health encourages anyone with the product in a refrigerator or freezer to discard it.

The products in question were sold wholesale in 14-pound packages labeled "Grnd Beef Fine 85/15%." The state recommends consumers with ground beef bought from Hannaford with a Hannaford label 85/15% with a sell by date from May 25-28 to throw it out.

Eating food contamined with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial food-borne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, senior citizens or the sick. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps and fever within six to 72 hours. Sometimes vomiting can last up to seven days, according to CDC.

What you can do:

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. requests consumers who may have purchased these products return them to the store of purchase. Consumers with questions about the recall can call Cargill's consumer relations toll-free number: 1-888-812-1646.