Vol. 10, No. 10
Oct. 2018

Investigators link 6.9 million pounds of beef to outbreak

Oct. 31, 2018 --

More than 6.9 million pounds of raw beef products have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that sickened 120 people in 22 states, including one case in Iowa, according to an Oct. 23 CDC announcement. An Arizona-based meat processor recalled the products on Oct. 4.

Raw Ground Beef

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and public health officials are investigating the nationwide outbreak. The FSIS reported on its website that “Epidemiologic and trace-back evidence indicates that ground beef produced by JBS Tolleson, Inc. is a likely source of this outbreak.”

The meat was packaged between July 26 and Sept. 7 and carries "EST. 267" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

“FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers,” according to an announcement on the USDA website. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

The recalled products packaged under a variety of names, including Showcase, which is sold by Walmart, and the Kroger brand. Other brands affected by the recall include Cedar River Farms, Comnor Perfect Choice, Gourmet Burger, Grass Run Farms, and JBS Generic.

The CDC reports that most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body. Children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.