E-Coli Scare Causes Beef Recall, Includes NYC Target Stores

NEW YORK, NY – Days after more than 132,000 pounds of ground beef products were recalled over potential E. coli contamination, the federal government has released a list of retailers that sold the beef nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Cargill Meat Solutions last week announced the recall. The products were shipped to retail locations across the country.

This week, the USDA published list of retailers that sold the beef. The only seller with outlets in New York City is Target, though national brands including Meijer, Aldi, FoodMaxx, Pak N Save, Sam’s Club and Vons also sold the potentially tainted meat, the agency said.

The products have an establishment number of “EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They look like this and were packaged on June 21.

Here is a full list of the stores that sold the meat.

The USDA was alerted about an investigation into E. coli illnesses last month. The agency, along with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health and agricultural departments, determined the raw ground beef was likely the source of the reported illnesses. The investigation identified 17 illnesses and a single death ranging from July 5-25.

“We were distressed to learn a fatality may be related to an E.coli contamination of one of our products. Our hearts go out to the families and individuals affected by this issue,” Cargill previously said in a statement.

Officials are worried some people may have frozen the beef and still plan to eat it. The USDA warned that people who become infected with the E. coli could see bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Some illnesses can last a while and be even more severe. Officials say those who become infected should vigorously rehydrate. Most people recover within a week.

Here’s the complete list of recalled beef items.

Patch national staffers Dan Hampton and Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this report.

Photo credit: Spencer Tirey/Getty Images