Albertsons Ground Beef Recall Issued Due to E. Coli Contamination

The Albertsons grocery store chain is recalling ground beef products in three states, due to a possible risk of E coli 0157:H7 contamination.

The SUPERVALU Albertsons’ ground beef recall was announced on September 24, indicating that consumers should not eat certain ground beef products sold between September 3 and 21.

Albertsons says there is a potential risk the ground beef is contaminated with E coli, although there have been no reported illnesses. The ground beef products were imported from Canada and only sold in Albertsons’ grocery stores in Washington, Oregon, and northern Idaho.

The recall affects Albertsons raw ground beef products sold in stores between 9/3/12 and 9/21/12, including the following pre-packaged products are subject to the recall:

• Fresh Ground Beef Patties 80/20, 1 LB, UPC: 7-52907-60030, USE BY Date: 9/11/12
• Fresh Ground Beef Chub 73/27, 1 LB, UPC: 7-52907-18271, USE BY Date: 9/18/12 & 9/21/12
• Fresh Ground Beef Chub 73/27, 3 LB, UPC: 7-52907-18251, USE BY Date: 9/18/12 & 9/21/12

E. coli O157:H7 is one of the more common causes of food poisoning in the United States. When left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and potentially life-threatening illness.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning typically only last a few weeks for healthy adults. However, young children and the elderly could be at risk for more severe illness, where the toxin may enter the blood stream. In rare cases, E. coli infections can lead to kidney failure, known as Hemolytic-Urenia Syndrome (HUS).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicates that this is the seventh time that Canadian based XL Foods Inc has recalled ground beef products due to potential E coli contamination. CFIA officials said that to date over 250 labeled and unlabeled products have been affected since the initial recall in mid August that has continued to expand.

Earlier this year, recent wrongful death lawsuit was settled on behalf of a 70 year old woman who died of E coli poisoning after eating contaminated ground beef from a grocery store. The woman suffered severe internal malfunctions from Hemolytic-Urenia Syndrome such as respiratory failure and kidney failure.

SUPERVALU is urging customers to check their freezers for these products and return them to their local Albertsons’ store for a full refund or replacement. Customers are encouraged to contact Albertsons Customer Care at 1-877-932-7948 or visit the website of the USDA to track the investigation at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_092012_01/index.asp.