More than 5.1 million pounds of raw beef products is being recalled by JBS Tolleson, Inc. as it may be tainted with salmonella, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said.
The recalled beef has been produced and packaged between July 26 and September 7 says the FSIS. The products have been distributed nationwide and include the brands Kroger, Cedar River Farms, Grass Run Farms and JBS generic among others.
This is an expansion of a recall that was first issued in October for the same reason.
The entire amount of “non-intact raw beef products” that have been recalled now exceeds more than 12 million pounds.
The recalled beef is linked to an outbreak of salmonella which has caused 246 people to become sick in 25 states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No deaths have been reported however 56 people have been hospitalized.
“FSIS is continuing to investigate illnesses associated with this widespread outbreak, and additional product from other companies may also be recalled,” the recall notice states.
Consumers are asked to discard or return any recalled beef. FSIS said its concerned that consumers may unknowingly have recalled beef in their freezer. In addition, “only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. Other cuts of beef should be cooked to a temperature of 145°F and allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes,” USDA said.
Symptoms Of Salmonella
Symptoms of salmonella usually start off within 12 to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food. These can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps as well as fever that last between four and seven days.
Most people recover on their own, but those who experience persistent diarrhea may need to be hospitalized.