CDC reports that there have been 18 cases in 4 states. Of these, 6 have been hospitalized and there has been one death. The product was packed in June with the onset of illness ranging from July 5 through July 25, 2018. The outbreak appears to be over at this point, but there is the concern that some may have frozen the product.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-081-2018-release
Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products due to Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination
Class I Recall
081-2018
Health Risk: High
Sep 19, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs Maria Machuca (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2018 – Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 132,606 pounds of ground beef products made from the chuck portion of the carcass that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The ground beef items were produced and packaged on June 21, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: (Products List) [View Labels (PDF only)]
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
On Aug. 16, 2018, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O26 illnesses. FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health and agriculture partners determined that raw ground beef was the probable source of the reported illnesses. The epidemiological investigation identified 17 illnesses and one death with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25, 2018.
The Cargill Meat Solutions’ ground beef products were identified following further investigation related to Recall 072-2018, conducted on Aug. 30, 2018, where ground beef products were recalled in connection with the E. coli O26 outbreak. FSIS’ traceback information indicated that case-patients consumed ground beef products purchased at various retail stores that were supplied by Cargill Meat Solutions.
E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after exposure to the organism.
Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is common with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately
FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ. Consumers should take proper precautions when handling raw meat products. Proper hand washing after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination to other foods and kitchen surfaces. It is important to prevent cross-contamination by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.
Media with questions regarding the recall can contact April Nelson with Cargill corporate affairs at (952) 742-9150 or at april_nelson@cargill.com. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can call 1-844-419-1574.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o26-09-18/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Ground Beef
At A Glance
Reported Cases: 18
States: 4
Hospitalizations: 6
Deaths: 1
Recall: Yes
Final Outbreak Investigation
•This outbreak appears to be over.
•Eighteen people infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26 were reported from four states. ◦Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 5, 2018 to July 25, 2018.
◦Six people were hospitalized, including one person who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. One person in Florida died.
On September 19, 2018, Cargill Meat Solutions in Fort Morgan, Colorado recalled ground beef products. ◦Recalled ground beef products were produced and packaged on June 21, 2018 and were shipped to retailers nationwide.
◦Products are labeled with the establishment number “EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were shipped to retailers nationwide.
Visit the USDA-FSIS website for a full list of recalled products[PDF – 40.2 KB].
Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell recalled ground beef and should check freezers and storage for recalled products.
If possible, retailers who received recalled ground beef should contact their customers to alert them of the recall.
When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on the USDA-FSIS website.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can call 1-844-419-1574. Consumers with ground beef in their freezers can contact the store where it was purchased to determine if it is recalled ground beef.
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