JBS Tolleson recalls 6.9 million pounds of beef products

US-based meat processor JBS Tolleson has issued a recall of 6.9 million pounds of various raw, non-intact beef products as they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall was issued by the company on 4 October. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Inspection Service, 57 people have been infected across 16 states in this latest Salmonella outbreak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 people have been hospitalised and so far no deaths have been reported.

JBS Tolleson said that the raw, non-intact beef items, including ground beef, were produced on various dates from 26 July to 7 September 2018. These products were shipped to retail locations and institutions across the US.

The products that are subject to recall bear establishment number EST. 267 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The beef products were sold under the names of Grass Run Farms, ComNor Perfect Choice, Gourmet Burger, Cedar River Farms and Showcase at Walmart, as well as generic packaging.

Consumption of Salmonella-contaminated food could lead to salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses, which usually lasts four to seven days. Older adults, infants, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness.

This Salmonella outbreak has been classified by FSIS as Class I, which represents a health hazard situation where there are chances of serious, adverse health consequences or even death as a result of the consumption of the products.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in peoples’ freezers and has urged such consumers not to consume them.

Colorado-based JBS USA is is a wholly owned subsidiary of JBS S A, a Brazilian beef producer.

It has 36 facilities in Brazil and has annual sales of more than $30bn, with 50% generated from the US unit.

Through 25 Pilgrim’s Pride facilities the US unit processes 90,000 hogs, and 6.6 million birds daily.