What beef is being recalled at Walmart?

UPDATED: The USDA updated the recall notice and changed the pounds of the 10-pack of Thomas Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef Patties. Nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef, including packages sold at Walmart stores, are being recalled because of possible E. coli contamination.

Why is ground beef especially susceptible to E. coli contamination?

E. coli lives in the intestines of cattle and can contaminate beef during the slaughtering process. Ground beef is especially risky, because the bacteria can spread when meat is ground up.

How common is E. coli in ground beef?

USDA’s meat inspection arm, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), routinely samples ground beef for E. coli O157:H7. According to FSIS data, E. coli O157:H7 occurs at a rate of less than one half of one percent.

What does the meat industry do to deal with E. coli in their meat?

As part of its efforts to eradicate E. coli, the meat industry is experimenting with vaccines, antibiotics and feed additives that may reduce the level of E. coli 0157:H7 in cattle intestines.

Are there any recalls on hamburger meat from Walmart?

Nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef is being recalled from Walmart and other grocers because of concerns the products could be contaminated with E. The brands affected by the recall include Marketside Butcher and Thomas Farms. All recalled products include “EST. 46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Can I cook bacteria out of meat?

You can kill bacteria by cooking poultry and meat to a safe internal temperature . Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.

Can you cook bacteria out of ground beef?

COOK. Did you know that the bacteria that cause food poisoning multiply quickest in the “Danger Zone,” the temperatures between 40 and 140 °F (4.4 and 60 °C)? To destroy harmful bacteria, cook ground beef to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 °F (71.1 °C) as measured with a food thermometer.

How much ground beef is contaminated?

Not surprisingly, a great deal of ground beef is contaminated with Salmonella — about 3.89 percent according to a 2018 USDA survey.

In what way the hamburger may have been contaminated?

During the slaughter process, germs on an animal’s hide that came from the intestines can get into the final meat product. If germs contaminate surfaces used for food processing, such as a processing line or storage bins, germs can spread to foods that touch those surfaces.

How can you avoid getting E. coli from eating ground beef?

Wash hands with soap and water after touching raw meat and before touching other kitchen items. Thoroughly wash countertops, cutting boards, plates, and utensils with hot, soapy water or a bleach solution after they come in contact with raw meat or its juices, to avoid contaminating other foods and kitchen items.