Beef Recall May 2019: A Comprehensive Guide for Consumers
Heads up, guys! You might have heard about the beef recall that shook the food industry in May 2019. We're here to break it down for you, so you can stay informed and safe. Let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and beef recall may 2019.
What Was the Beef Recall May 2019 All About?
In May 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for nearly 47 million pounds of raw beef products. The recall was due to potential E. coli contamination, a nasty bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
Who Was Affected and What Products Were Recalled?
The recall involved beef products produced by the Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Fort Morgan, Colorado. The products, which were distributed to retail locations nationwide, included ground beef, steaks, roasts, and other cuts. Here's a quick rundown of the affected products:
- Ground beef: Packages with various weights, ranging from 2 to 10 pounds, and labeled with establishment number "EST. 86R" inside the USDA mark of inspection. - Steaks: Skirt and flank steaks packaged in 24-pound boxes, with case codes 5131A or 5131B, and labeled with establishment number "EST. 86R". - Roasts: Beef hind quarter and short loin steaks packaged in 24-pound boxes, with case codes 5131A or 5131B, and labeled with establishment number "EST. 86R".
Why Was the Beef Recalled?
The recall was initiated after FSIS discovered that some of the beef products may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This strain of E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. In some cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as kidney failure.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
If you've consumed recalled beef and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Stomach cramps - Diarrhea (often bloody) - Vomiting - Fever - Dehydration
Symptoms usually appear about 3-4 days after consuming contaminated food, but can take as long as 8 days.
What Should You Do if You Have Recalled Beef?
If you have recalled beef at home, do not consume it! Here's what you should do:
- 1. Check your freezer and refrigerator for the recalled products.
- 2. Do not attempt to cook the beef to kill the bacteria, as E. coli can still be present on the surface of cooked meat.
- 3. Return the beef to the store where you bought it for a refund or disposal.
- 4. Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled beef.
Staying Safe: Tips for Handling Raw Beef
To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, follow these safety tips when handling raw beef:
- Keep raw beef separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. - Wash your hands after touching raw beef, and before handling other foods. - Sanitize utensils, cutting boards, and counters that have come into contact with raw beef. - Cook ground beef to a safe internal temperature (160°F or 71°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
The Aftermath: What Happened Next?
Following the recall, Cargill Meat Solutions announced that they had taken corrective actions to prevent future contamination. The company also cooperated with FSIS to ensure the removal of all recalled products from the market.
As of now, the FSIS has not reported any confirmed illnesses related to the May 2019 beef recall. However, it's essential to stay vigilant and stay informed about food recalls to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Stay Informed: How to Keep Up with Food Recalls
To stay up-to-date with the latest food recalls, you can:
- Subscribe to FSIS Recall and Alert E-mails by visiting
Guys, we hope this article has helped you better understand the beef recall that took place in May 2019. Stay safe, stay informed, and happy cooking!