If you’re a frequent shopper at Aldi, you may be wondering if there’s a recall on their ground beef.
With recent reports of E. coli contamination in ground beef sold at various retailers across the country, it’s important to stay informed about potential risks to your health and safety.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the latest news surrounding the recall and what you need to know as a consumer.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
Is There A Recall On Aldi Ground Beef?
Yes, there is a recall on Aldi ground beef. The recall was issued by Cargill Meat Solutions, a Colorado-based manufacturer, after it was discovered that their ground beef products were contaminated with E. coli.
The recall affects two varieties of Aldi ground beef products: Fresh Ground Beef 80% Lean in 2 lb. packages and Fresh Ground Beef Patties 80% Lean in 4 count 1/3 lb. patties. These products have a “Use or Freeze By” date of July 10, 2018 and an establishment number ‘EST. 85M.’
The recall was initiated after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified 17 related illnesses and one death, with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service expressed concerns about frozen and infected beef that might still be in consumers’ freezers.
What Prompted The Recall Of Ground Beef?
The recall of Aldi ground beef was prompted by the discovery of E. coli contamination in the products. The contamination was identified after the USDA received reports of 17 related illnesses and one death, with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service expressed concerns about frozen and infected beef that might still be in consumers’ freezers. Cargill Meat Solutions, the manufacturer of the affected products, initiated the recall to prevent further illnesses and ensure the safety of consumers. It is important to note that E. coli contamination can cause severe illness, including vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In some cases, illness can progress into kidney infections. Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to check their freezers for the affected products and dispose of them properly to avoid any potential health risks.
Which Brands Of Ground Beef Are Affected?
The recall on Aldi ground beef is part of a larger recall affecting multiple brands and retailers across the United States. The 133,000 lbs of recalled ground chuck were distributed by Cargill Meat Solutions and sold in three, ten, and 20 pound containers all across the country. Stores that sold the contaminated beef include Aldi locations in IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NA, OK, and WI, as well as Meijer stores nationwide, Sam’s Club stores nationwide, Target stores nationwide, and CA recalls including FoodMaxx, Pak N Save, and Vons. The recall was initiated after the USDA identified 17 related illnesses and one death due to E. coli sickness. Consumers are advised to immediately throw away or return any recalled products to the place of purchase. It is important for consumers to be aware of recalls as recalled foods may cause injury or illness.
What Are The Symptoms Of E. Coli Contamination?
E. coli contamination can cause a range of symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. Some infected individuals may also experience a low fever. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure, but can take up to 10 days to develop. Most people infected with E. coli recover within a week without the need for medical treatment. However, in some cases, particularly in young children and the elderly, E. coli infection can lead to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can cause kidney failure, anemia, and other complications that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of HUS include decreased urination frequency, fatigue, and pale skin tone. If you suspect you have been contaminated with E. coli, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, especially if you have symptoms of HUS or if your diarrhea lasts longer than three days.
How Can You Protect Yourself From E. Coli Contamination In Ground Beef?
E. coli contamination in ground beef is a serious issue, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. The most important thing you can do is to thoroughly cook your ground beef to a temperature of at least 160°F (70°C). This will ensure that any harmful bacteria, including E. coli, are destroyed. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat, and make sure it reaches a safe level all the way through.
In addition to cooking your meat properly, it’s important to practice good hygiene when handling raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling meat, and use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods in your grocery cart, refrigerator, and during food preparation.
If you have purchased Aldi ground beef products affected by the recall, do not consume them. Return them to the place of purchase or discard them immediately. It’s also a good idea to check your freezer for any potentially contaminated products.
By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and your family from E. coli contamination in ground beef.
What Should You Do If You Have Purchased Recalled Ground Beef From Aldi?
If you have purchased the recalled Aldi ground beef, it is important that you take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of your family. The first step is to check the packaging for the “Use or Freeze By” date of July 10, 2018 and the establishment number ‘EST. 85M.’ If your ground beef matches these details, do not consume it.
You should either return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it following the instructions provided in the recall notice. It is important to ensure that no one will consume the contaminated product.
If you have already consumed the recalled ground beef and are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. E. coli infections can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women, young children, and the elderly.
It is important to stay informed about product recalls and public health alerts. You can access more information on recalls at http://www.recalls.gov or through the FDA and USDA’s real-time notices. Additionally, Aldi has a plan in place to swiftly and effectively remove products from their stores in response to recalls or quality concerns.
How Is Aldi Responding To The Recall?
Aldi is taking the recall of their ground beef products very seriously and is working closely with Cargill Meat Solutions to ensure that all affected products are removed from their stores. The company has issued a statement on their website, emphasizing their commitment to providing safe and high-quality products to their customers.
Aldi has also implemented a rapid response plan for handling recalls, which includes removing products that do not meet their standards or government regulations from sale. They have urged customers who have purchased the affected ground beef products to return them to the store for a full refund.
In addition to visiting Aldi’s website for recall announcements or updates, customers can access more information at http://www.recalls.gov or the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service at http://www.fsis.usda.gov. Aldi values the safety of its customers and is committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that their products are safe for consumption.
