Lakeside Refrigerated Services of Swedesboro, NJ, is recalling 120,872 pounds of ground beef products because of possible E. coli O103 contamination.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing of imported products.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the ground beef products were produced from Feb. 1 through April 8. The ground beef was shipped to retail locations nationwide, some of it under the Walmart brand of Marketside.
Recalled products:
- The complete list of products and product codes for the beef products that are subject to recall can be found here.
- Labels for the ground beef products can be found here.
- The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
As of the posting of this recall, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.
FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. 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.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.
