JBS USA late Saturday recalled almost 100,000 pounds of bulk raw ground beef from its Swift Beef facility in Northern Utah.  The bulk raw ground beef was distributed at least five states and was recalled for potential contamination with E. coli O157: H7, according to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The Hyrum, UT beef processing facility was among the Swift and Co. properties acquired in 2007 by JBS USA.  Located in the Cache Valley in northern Utah, the JBS Hyrum facility known for its Blue Ribbon Beef brand and Certified Angus Beef production.

This is the second large beef recall by JBS USA in as many months.   It recalled 6.9 million pounds of beef products from JBS Tolleson Inc. in Tolleson, AZ on Oct. 4 because the meat was associated with a 25-state Salmonella Newport outbreak.  That outbreak has sickened 246 people.

“The (latest) problem was discovered on Nov. 15, 2018, when FSIS visited Swift Beef Co. (of Hyrum, UT) in response to an FSIS ground beef sample that was collected at a further processing establishment and was confirmed positive for E. coli O157: H7,” the recall states. 

“FSIS confirmed that Swift Beef Company was the sole source supplier for the ground beef products. That affected product was recalled on Nov. 16 and information on that recall (by Majestic Meat) can be found here.”

All of the ground beef subject to this recall have the establishment number “EST. 628” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection on its packaging. Swift Beef Co. shipped the recalled ground beef to retail distributors for further processing and food service distributors for institutional use in locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The recalled ground beef was produced on Oct. 24.

Products subject to this recall are:

2,000 lb. – bulk pallets of Swift Ground Beef 81/19 (81% lean) Fine Grind Combo bearing product code 42982.

8-10 lb. – plastic wrapped chubs of “blue ribbon BEEF” Ground Beef 81/19 (81% lean) Coarse Grind bearing product code 42410.

8-10 lb. – plastic wrapped chubs of “blue ribbon BEEF” Ground Beef 93/07 (93% lean) Coarse Grind bearing product code 42413.

8-10 lb. – plastic wrapped chubs of “blue ribbon BEEF” Ground Beef 85/15 (85% lean) Coarse Grind bearing product code 42415.

8-10 lb. – plastic wrapped chubs of “blue ribbon BEEF” Ground Beef 73/27 (73% lean) Coarse Grind bearing product code 42510.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157: H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 165°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.

Consumers with questions about the recall may call the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at (800) 727-2333.