Kroger to Expand Ground Beef Recall to 20 States

Kroger to Expand Ground Beef Recall to 20 States

Don’t be so quick to take a bite out of that holiday hamburger! Kroger has expanded its voluntary recall of some of its ground beef products to its stores in more than 20 states. They believe that meat may be contaminated with E. coli!

This recall comes from meat obtained from one of Kroger’s suppliers, Nebraska Beef Ltd,. That has been linked to illnesses reported in Michigan and Ohio between May 31 and June 8 caused by E. coli bacteria. Nebraska Beef has already recalled from wholesalers and other processing companies nearly 532,000 pounds of ground beef produced on five dates between May 16 and June 24.

“Ground beef in stores today comes from other suppliers not involved in the recall,” Kroger spokeswoman Meghan Glynn said Wednesday.

Kroger has so far been notifying customers about the expanded recall by placing signs in stores in meat departments. It is also using a notification system linked to its register receipts.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. It can potentially be deadly, but most people recover within five to seven days. Health officials are urging people to cook their hamburgers thoroughly and, if possible, use a digital thermometer to make sure that their meat has been heated to a minimum of 160 degrees. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling meat.