Shoppers in a dozen states may want to check their freezers before the next cookout.
A recall of ground beef and preformed beef patties sold at major grocery chains has expanded, and federal food safety officials say the products could be contaminated with a dangerous bacteria.
The recall covers beef items sold at Walmart, Target, Kroger and several regional grocers, according to notices posted by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The affected products carry a range of sell-by dates and were shipped to stores across the Midwest, South and parts of the Northeast.
At the center of it is E. coli, a bacteria that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
Most healthy adults recover within a week, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications.
Health officials stress that cooking beef to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the bacteria, but they still want recalled packages out of home kitchens.
Here's what makes this one tricky: the beef was sold both fresh and frozen, and some of it was repackaged into store-brand trays.
That means the label in your fridge may not match the brand name in the recall notice.
The USDA lists specific lot codes and establishment numbers, which are printed inside the USDA inspection seal on the package.
If you find a match, don't cook it, don't taste it and don't donate it.
The USDA advises double-bagging the product and throwing it away, or returning it to the store for a full refund.
Most major chains are honoring refunds without a receipt for recalled items, so a photo of the package is usually enough.
Wiping down the fridge shelf, drawers and any countertop the package touched is also worth doing, since bacteria can linger on surfaces.
Wash hands and utensils with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
So far, no illnesses have been tied to this specific recall, but investigations often take weeks to confirm.
That's why the USDA issues these notices early rather than waiting for a confirmed case count.
Consumers with questions can call the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 on weekdays, or check the agency's recall page for the full product list and photos.
It's a five-minute check that could save you a miserable week. **Our take:** Recalls like this are a reminder that the cheapest beef isn't always the best deal if it ends up in the trash.
Final Thoughts
Buy from stores with clear refund policies, keep your receipts in a phone app, and when in doubt, cook ground beef all the way through rather than trusting a pink center.