Over 40,000 Pounds of Ground Beef from Walmart, Other Stores Recalled Due to E. Coli

Laurie DixonUpdated: Jun. 16, 2020

This ground beef recall might put your barbecuing plans on hold.

You might want to put your June cookout on hold. 42,922 pounds of ground beef products have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. The beef was distributed to retailers nationwide, including Walmart.

Here’s what to look for before you fire up the grill this weekend.

What products are recalled?

This Class I recall was issued on June 13, 2020. Roughly 43,000 pounds of ground beef from Lakeside Refrigerated Services were recalled, though you may know this brand by different names. The ground beef is labeled “Marketside Butcher” or “Thomas Farms” at Walmart and other grocery chains.

Traces of E. coli were detected during routine testing. Fortunately, there are no reports of illness or adverse reactions to the meat so far. Still, Lakeside Refrigerated Serviced and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) both urge shoppers to check their refrigerators and freezers, in case a contaminated package may be hidden at the back.

The FDA explains why recalls are actually a good thing.

How do I know if I have one of these products?

If you have a package of ground beef somewhere in your fridge, take a look at the “Use or Freeze By” dates and lot codes. Each recalled item bears the establishment code “EST. 46841” and was produced on June 1, 2020. You can also find package labels on the FSIS website.

Here are the items to be on the lookout for:

1-lb. vacuum packages containing “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P-53298-82.
1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES” and a use or freeze by date of June 27, 2020 and lot code P-53934-28.
3-lb. vacuum packages containing three 1 lb. pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF 93% LEAN / 7% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P53929-70.
1-lb. tray packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 06/25/20 and lot code P53944-10.
4-lb. tray packages containing 10 ¼ lb. pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80% LEAN / 20% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 06/25/20 and lot code P53937-45.
1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 06/27/20 and lot code P53935-25.
1-lb. vacuum packages containing “VALUE PACK FRESH GROUND BEEF 76% LEAN / 24% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P53930-18.

This food recall app helps you get ahead of the bad guys in your fridge.

I have one of these products! What should I do with it?

If you have a package of contaminated ground beef hiding in the back of your fridge or freezer, you have a couple of options. You can either discard it or return it to the place of purchase. Most retailers, including Walmart, will offer a full refund or an exchange in case you still need something for dinner tonight.

For any questions about the ground beef recall, reach out to the Lakeside Processing call center at 856-832-3881. You can also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. This service is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

How can I avoid getting E. coli?

Always heed the warnings of FSIS, and don’t consume any recalled products. Be sure to wash raw vegetables when you bring them home from the supermarket, and make sure meat you cook reaches an internal temperature of at least 160° F. Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching raw meat and vegetables, too, to avoid cross-contamination with other ingredients.

Keep your loved ones safe with our complete E. coli safety guide.

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