The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a recall notice for over 16,000 pounds of ground beef due to fears that it may be contaminated with E. Coli. Here’s what you need to know.

Which ground beef products are impacted?

Approximately 16,243 pounds of ground beef, packaged as six individual products and sold from Walmart stores, are being recalled. The ground beef products were distributed by Cargill Meat Solutions to Walmart stores in select states. The ground beef products being recalled are the following, according to the FSIS:

• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF” with lot code 117 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES” with lot code 118 and establishment number “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.

All products were produced on April 26-27, 2024, and bear an establishment number of “EST. 86P” printed on the product’s rear label. You can view pictures of the products’ labels here.

Where were these products sold?

The affected products were sold from stores in 11 states and the District of Columbia, according to a statement from Cargill. The full list is below:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Vermont
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

What is E. Coli and what symptoms does it cause?

E. Coli is a bacteria that is harmful to humans when ingested. The FSIS says the bacteria usually makes people sick between two and eight days after consumption. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. 

The good news is that most people recover in about a week. However, an E. Coli infection can also cause serious complications, including a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can occur in anyone but is common in older adults and children under the age of five.

“It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output,” the FSIS warns. “Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”

What should I do if I have the recalled ground beef?

The FSIS says consumers who have purchased these items should not eat them. Instead, they should throw them away or take them back to their place of purchase for a refund.