Salmonella Fears Spur Recall Of 6.5 Million Pounds Of Beef

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of more than 6.5 million pounds of beef that was sold at stores nationwide. This is the second beef recall in just two weeks.

So far, there have been 57 people, across 16 states, that may be infected by salmonella. They began getting sick between August 5 and September 6, the USDA announced.

The recalled beef comes from JBS Tolleson, Inc. The company is recalling 6,500,966 pounds of various raw, non-intact beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The recalled items include ground beef that was packaged between July 26 and September 7. Items that are subject to recall have the establishment number "EST. 267." View the following products subject to recall: (Products List | Product Labels)

History of the Recall

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was first made aware of a Salmonella Newport illness on September 5. The illness was thought to be brought on by a product regulated by FSIS.

The service began investigating and traced a purchase of beef through a possibly infected person on September 19. FSIS then began to trace all ground beef products.

At this point, eight ill people have provided receipts or shopper card numbers that link the raw ground beef to the spread of Salmonella. The common supplier was identified as JBS, FSIS said.

The service is concerned that some Americans may have the recalled ground beef in the freezers. If you have purchased the recalled meat, do not eat it. The beef should be thrown away or returned to where it was bought, the USDA said.

A Bit About Salmonella

Salmonella is one of the most common food-borne illnesses. USDA said, "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 cases, the diarrhea may be so severe, a person must 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," USDA said.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at (800) 727-2333.

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