The USDA Is Recalling More Than 58,000 Pounds of Ground Beef, Here's What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a notice on September 15 recalling more than 58,000 pounds of ground beef. 

In its notice, the USDA noted that American Foods Group, LLC, doing business as Green Bay Dressed Beef, LCC, is recalling exactly 58,281 pounds of ground beef as it may be contaminated with “Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.” It was discovered by a state public health partner who tested a sample and found the presence of E. coli, and the partner immediately contacted the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The notice explains that the raw version of the ground beef was produced on Aug. 14, 2023. The recall includes the following products and lot codes: 

• Approximately 80-lb. cases containing 10-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of "90050 BEEF FINE GROUND 81/19" with lot code D123226026.
• Approximately 80-lb. cases containing 10-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of "20473 BEEF HALAL FINE GROUND 73/27" with lot code D123226027.
• Approximately 80-lb. cases containing 10-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of "20105 BEEF FINE GROUND 73/27" with lot code D123226027.

The products, the UDSA noted, also include "EST. 18076" on the inside of the packaging, which is the USDA mark of inspection. The ground beef that is being called was distributed in Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio.

It’s important to note that there have been no reports of illness from the consumption of the product. However, as the USDA explains, people typically become ill from this particular strain of E. coli within two to eight days of consumption. 

Those who are infected by it can develop diarrhea, which the organization said can often be “bloody,” as well as vomiting. The illness can be more severe for some, including those who may be immunocompromised. If a person does show symptoms, they should contact a medical professional immediately. Most people infected recover within seven days. The FSIS also added in its notice that consumers are encouraged to “only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F,” which is a “temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria.”

The Mayo Clinic offered additional tips for avoiding E. coli contamination, including keeping cooking spaces clean, vigorously washing your hands and cooking utensils, including cutting boards, in “hot soapy water,” and keeping raw foods separate by using different cutting boards for raw meat and other foods. Its best tip: “Never put cooked hamburgers on the same plate you used for raw patties.”

Consumers who purchased the products listed above should discard the meat immediately or bring it back to the point of purchase for a refund. Those with specific questions on the recall can contact American Foods Group directly by calling 1-800-829-2838.