E.Coli Prompts Recall for Beef Sold at Tennessee Stores

Due to the presence of the e-coli bacteria in a random inspection in Ohio, over 60,000 pounds of ground beef were recalled on August 12^th by the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Much of this beef from the National Beef Packing Co. was distributed to stores in the southeast, including Tennessee.

Publix and Kroger are two stores in Tennessee affected by this recall. No illnesses connected to this tainted beef have been reported. Kroger’s locations in Knoxville had some of this potentially tainted meat on its shelves.

Specific beef products from the National Beef Packing Co. affected by the recall include:

At Tennessee (Knoxville) Kroger Locations – Ground chuck, ground beef patties, meatballs (pre-made) along with meat loaf prepared in the stores. Packages have a “sell by” or freeze date of July 29 through Aug. 12^th

At Tennessee Publix Locations – Includes pre-made meatballs, meat loaf, ground chuck patties along with burgers, stuffed peppers, seasoned Salisbury steak prepared in the store. Affected items include a “sell by” or freeze date of July 29^th through Aug. 12^th

If you have a package of beef included in this recall, you will see an establishment number, ‘Est. 262,’ stamped on the USDA inspection mark

Common symptoms of e-coli include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

E-coli O157:H7 is one of the more common forms of food poisoning in the United States. Most adults though recover within a few weeks but it can cause more severe illness or potential death in children, the elderly or anyone with a weak immune system.  If the bacteria reach the bloodstream, it can lead to kidney failure.

To protect against e-coli or any other bacteria, it’s recommended you cook beef to an internal temperature 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have a package of ground beef or similar product from these stores, check the expiration date and confirm the establishment number code…if you have any beef matching the information outlined above, return your purchase to the store for a full refund.

By Staff Writer

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