Salmonella Newport Outbreak Results in Massive Ground Beef Recall

More than 825,000 pounds of ground beef distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah have been recalled, as it could be contaminated with Salmonella Newport, a strain of bacteria linked to a recent food poisoning outbreak.

The ground beef recall was issued by Beef Packers, Inc. for meat processed between June 5 and June 23. All of the ground beef was distributed in 40, 60 and 80 pound packages with an establishment number of “EST. 31913.” However, the meat was likely repackaged into small packages before it was sold to consumers, so shoppers should check with their local retailers to determine whether any ground beef purchased is part of the recall.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified the Salmonella Newport outbreak, notifying the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the situation. The strain of bacteria linked to the food poisoning outbreak has been associated through epidemiological and traceback investigations to the recalled ground beef.

The strain of Salmonella Newport bacteria associated with the recall is resistant to many medications and has a high rate of food poisoning hospitalizations.

Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning usually appear with in 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, and may result in severe abdominal crams, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and fever. Although most health adults recure within a few days or weeks, in severe cases the bacteria may spread from the intestinates through the bloodstream to other sites in the body.

Young children, the elderly and those with a weak immune system are most at risk for severe injuries and hospitalization from food poisoning after eating meat contaminated with salmonella. In some cases, fi the food poisoning is not properly treated it can lead to fatal injuries.