Cargill Recalls 30,000 Pounds of U.S. Beef [July 23 2012]

Cargill Wyalusing Plant Alerts Consumers of Potential Salmonella Contamination

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling 30,000 pounds of 85-percent lean ground beef after reports of illness have been made in over seven states. Thirty three people have reported illness due to the contaminated meat in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia and Vermont.

"Food borne illnesses are unfortunate and we are sorry for anyone who became sick from eating ground beef we may have produced," John Keating, President of Cargill Beef said in a company statement. "Ensuring our beef products are safe is our highest priority and an investigation is underway to determine the source of salmonella in the animals we purchased for harvest and any actions necessary to prevent this from recurring."

Consumers are urged to check their ground beef with the dates between May 29 and June 16 and any beef packages affected by the recall should be returned to their point of purchase.  Consumers are encouraged to call Cargill’s consumer relations telephone number (1-888-812-1646) if they have any questions or concerns.

The United States Department of Agriculture reminds consumers that when preparing ground beef to cook at 160F to ensure that all harmful bacteria has been kills and it’s safe to eat.

Nine Signs of Salmonella Poisoning

1.    Nausea
2.    Diarrhea
3.    Abdominal pain
4.    Vomiting
5.    Fever
6.    Chills
7.    Headache
8.    Muscle pains
9.    Blood in the stool