Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. is voluntarily recalling retail packages of ground beef sold in Georgia and other states.
The affected ground beef, which might contain E. coli, was shipped by Tyson (NYSE: TSN) to distribution centers in Ohio, Indiana, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
It was sold at Kroger, Food Lion, Sav-A-Lot, Spectrum Foods and Supervalu Stores, but a list of retail locations where the beef was sold has not yet been released. The affected beef also was shipped to the Defense Commissary Agency.
A sample of the product analyzed by the Ohio Department of Health was found to contain E. coli. The company is recalling about 131,300 pounds of ground beef. Each package has the establishment code EST 245D, as well as a “Best Before or Freeze By Sep 12 2011.” The product was produced on Aug. 23, 2011.
The ground beef was sold in pre-packaged printed tubs, called “chubs,” which are placed directly into the retail meat case. The recall does not involve any clear film, tray pack or any ground beef patties.
Given the use by dates, it is likely most of the affect product has already been consumed. Tyson Fresh Meats urges consumers to check their freezers and return or discard the product in question.
The specific products being recalled include:
- 5 lb. chub – Kroger Quality Guaranteed Ground Beef 73 percent Lean 27 percent Fat;
- 3 lb. chub – Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef, Ground Beef 73 percent Lean 27 percent Fat; and
- 3 lb. chub – Ground Beef 73 percent Lean 27 percent Fat (Printed film for retail).
