Valley Meats, LLC, in Coal Valley, Ill., has recalled approximately 6,768 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to USDA’S Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

about E. coli infections

Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated products and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible food poisoning. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

about 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, tiredness, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

PRODUCTS IN THIS RECALL INCLUDE:

• 12-LB. BOX PACKAGE ConTAINING “ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES” WITH PRODUCT CODE 1208PL, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, USE BY 01/15/2024, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 7:36:38AM TO 08:00:48AM.

• 16-LB. BOX PACKAGES ConTAINING “ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES” WITH THE PRODUCT CODE 1253PL, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, USE BY 01/15/2024, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 7:25:50 AM TO 08:00:36AM.

• 28-LB. BOX PACKAGE ConTAINING “GROUND BEEF PATTIES” WITH PRODUCT CODE 72287, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, USE BY 01/15/2024, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 12:44:00PM TO 12:54:32PM.• 28-LB. BOX PACKAGING ConTAINING “GROUND BEEF PATTIES” WITH PRODUCT CODE 72287, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, USE BY 01/15/2024, AND TIME STAMP 1:02:55PM.

• 24-LB. BOX PACKAGING ConTAINING “GROUND BEEF PATTIES” WITH PRODUCT CODE 72284, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, USE BY 01/15/2024, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 1:10:09PM TO 1:10:17PM.

• 13.5-LB. BOX PACKAGING ConTAINING “GROUND BEEF PATTIES” WITH PRODUCT CODE 1103, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, USE BY 01/15/2024, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 1:41:55:55PM TO 1:57:53PM.

• 20-LB. BOX PACKAGING ConTAINING “GROUND BEEF” WITH PRODUCT CODE 8515, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 1:16:24PM TO 1:31:15PM

.• 40-LB. BOX PACKAGING ConTAINING “GROUND BEEF” WITH PRODUCT CODE 8020VP, RUN NO. 3356GRDB, DATE CODE 231222, AND TIME STAMPS BETWEEN 1:34:54PM TO 2:00:49PM.