The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that 12 million pounds of non-intact raw beef products are being recalled, due to concerns about possible salmonella contamination.
JBS Tolleson Inc. of Tolleson, Ariz. is issuing the recall for the beef items, including ground beef, which were packaged dates spanning from July 26, 2018 to Sept. 7, 2018. A full list of products can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website.
The current recall is an expansion of one dated Oct. 4, 2018 recall. Over 5 million pounds of raw beef products have been added to the overall recall, because the products may still be stored in consumers’ freezers. The products should be thrown away, or returned to the store from which they were purchased.
The recall is being issued in response to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport illnesses. An investigation has confirmed 246 cases across 25 states, in a date range spanning Aug. 5, 2018 to Oct. 16, 2018.
If food contaminated with Salmonella is consumed, the individuals may wind up suffering from a cmoon bacterial foodborne illness called salmonellosis. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of contaminated food consumption. Consumers may be ill for 4 to 7 days but typically do not require treatment — however, those with weakened immune systems, such as children, the elderly, and those who already have weak immune systems may need to be hospitalized.
