Over 3,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Over E. Coli Detection

A photo of the beef chuck impacted by the voluntary recall. (Courtesy of USDA)

Elkhorn Valley Packing is recalling approximately 3,436 pounds of boneless beef chuck product that was distributed to nine states because it may be contaminated with a strain of E. Coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Friday.

The Kansas-based meat packer issued a voluntary recall for Elkhorn Valley Pride Angus Beef 61226 BEEF CHUCK 2PC BNLS, which was packed on Feb. 16, 2023.

Inspection workers found the issue during routine testing of ground beef derived from this product and a sample was tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC O103, according to FSIS.

There have not been any confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to the consumption of the beef products, according to the notice.

The product being recalled has the establishment number “EST. M-19549” inside the USDA mark of inspection. It was shipped to distributors, federal establishments, retailers, and wholesalers, including hotels and restaurants in nine states:

• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania

The complete list of serial numbers and box count numbers for the boneless beef chuck product that are subject to recall can be found here.

Consumers were urged to throw out the meat or return it to the place of purchase. Customers with questions about the recall are encouraged to contact Elkhorn Valley Packing at 620-243-3308 or email at [email protected].

E. coli infections

The recalled products tested positive for an E. coli strain called STEC O103 produces a Shiga toxin that may cause vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people recover within a week, but in some rare cases some develop a more severe infection.

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.

This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.

“It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately,” FSIS said.