The US Department of Agriculture issued a recall for more than 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products on Wednesday over fears of potential E. coli contamination. The affected meat items were manufactured by Cargill Meat Solutions and were distributed to Walmart retail locations nationwide.
According to the USDA's recall notice, the implicated beef products were produced on April 26 and April 27. Despite the recall, there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses linked to the consumption of the contaminated meat.
Cargill Meat Solutions stated that the recall was initiated as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety. The company identified Walmart stores in several states where the potentially contaminated products were sold, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Walmart, in response to the recall, emphasized its commitment to customer health and safety. A spokesperson for the retail giant confirmed that upon notification of the recall, all affected products were promptly removed from shelves, and customers who may have purchased the recalled items were notified.
The USDA specified that there are six types of meat products that could be contaminated, including items such as '93% Lean 7% Fat All Natural Lean Ground Beef' and 'Prime Rib Beef Steak Burgers Patties.'
Customers who have purchased any of the recalled products from Walmart are advised to either dispose of the items or return them to the store of purchase, as per the USDA's instructions.