When we purchase items, we expect them to be safe for use or consumption. Unfortunately, that is not always the case and sometimes the products we buy cause injuries or sickness. Recently, a recall has been issued for ground beef because of concerns that the beef may contaminated with salmonella.

The meat producer, JBS Tolleson Inc., which is based in Arizona has recalled over 6.9 million pounds of their beef products after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection discovered that the beef products may be contaminated with salmonella. The beef products affected by the recall were sold all across the country. They were sold under brand names, which include Walmart, Cedar River Farms Natural Beef, Showcase and JBS Generic. The beef affected by the recall was packaged between July 26 and September 7.  The recalled products have been marked with the USDA inspection mark with the establishment number of EST. 267.

So far there have been 57 cases of people developing salmonella illness following consumption of the recalled beef products. The 57 cases have been spread across 16 different states. The illnesses occurred between August 5 and September 6. JBS Tolleson Inc. was the common supplier of the beef in all of the reported cases, causing health officials to believe the beef is the cause of the illness.

The inspectors are concerned that the recalled beef products may still be in people’s freezers as they were planning to use it at a later date. Because of the potential for illness if the products are consumed, people should either throw out the beef or return it to the place where it was purchased. By ensuring that the recalled beef is not consumed, you can help keep yourself safe from food borne illness.