Interstate Meat Dist. Inc. and the USDA have issued a recall for approximately 28,000 pounds of ground beef for potential contamination of E. Coli. The affected products were shipped to locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Packed on Dec. 20, 2021, consumers should discard any packages they have on hand with an establishment number of “EST. 965” which can be found within the USDA mark of inspection or printed next to the time stamp and use or freeze by date.

The recall affects several brands of ground beef, including Kroger, Winco, Walmart and Albertsons. You can see each product and its label here.

The USDA recall notice does not currently report any illnesses report, but that the issue was reported after a package was submitted to a third-party laboratory and was found to test positive for E. Coli.

If you do have an affected package, do not consume. Either throw away or return to the place of purchase for a refund.

Any questions can be submitted to Sales Manager Mike Sinner and Quality Assurance Manager Rodolfo Mendoza, Interstate Meat Dist., Inc., at (503) 656-6168.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Pexels

 

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Check your fridge and freezer. Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 42,922 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The raw ground beef items were produced on Jun. 1, 2020. 

Ground beef

The following products are subject to recall: 

 

  • 1-lb. vacuum packages containing “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P-53298-82.
  • 1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES” and a use or freeze by date of June 27, 2020 and lot code P-53934-28.
  • 3-lb. vacuum packages containing three 1 lb. pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF 93% LEAN / 7% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P53929-70.
  • 1-lb. tray packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 06/25/20 and lot code P53944-10.
  • 4-lb. tray packages containing 10 ¼ lb. pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80% LEAN / 20% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 06/25/20 and lot code P53937-45.
  • 1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “THOMAS FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85% LEAN / 15% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 06/27/20 and lot code P53935-25.
  • 1-lb. vacuum packages containing “VALUE PACK FRESH GROUND BEEF 76% LEAN / 24% FAT” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P53930-18.
  • The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. 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.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact the Lakeside Processing Center Call Center at (856) 832-3881.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo:

Photo by Angele J from Pexels

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently announced a recall of over 2,000 pounds of Amity Packing Company raw ground beef products due to the possibility of contamination with extraneous materials. Representatives from Pre Brands, LLC did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you think you might have the recalled beef, read on for important information.

Recalled Product Description: Ground Beef

The recall includes one-pound vacuum-packed “Pre 95% LEAN/5% FAT GROUND BEEF” products produced on Jan. 6, 2020 that bear the establishment number “EST. 6916” and the lot code “0060.”

The products were shipped to retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Why the Beef Was Recalled

Pre Brands received two complaints, citing that the customers found clear, thin pliable plastic in the ground beef products. As of now there are no injuries or illnesses as a result of the recalled beef.

How to Tell If Your Beef Was Recalled

Check your fridge and freezer for the recalled beef. Look for the lot code “0060” and case code “11402” on the product label. The label also includes the use/freeze by date “01/31/2020.” The establishment code “EST. 6916” is printed on the right, front side of the beef’s packaging.

What Consumers Can Do

If you have the recalled product, don’t eat it. Throw the beef out or bring it back to the place of purchase. You can also contact Pre Brands at 1-844-773-3663 with questions about the recall.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Angele J via Pexels

 

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A Georgia-based meat producer has issued a recall for over 100,000 pounds of ground beef that are believed to be contaminated with E. coli. K2D Foods, who does business as Colorado Premium Foods is issuing the recall for 113,424 pounds of meat that may contain the same strain of E. coli that are believed to be part of the same outbreak that has already spread to 10 states. Representatives for Colorado Premium Foods did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

In addition to the recall, the CDC has also issued a Food Safety Alert advising consumers and restaurants to stay clear of recalled products. The warning also reminds everyone about how to prepare food safety to avoid contamination. Keep reading to see what beef products are included in this round.

photos: USDA

Recall Product Description: Ground Beef

The recall includes products sold as two 24-lb. vacuum-packed packages in cardboard boxes with “GROUND BEEF PUCK” and “Use Thru” dates of 4/14/19, 4/17/19, 4/20/19, 4/23/19, 4/28/19, and 4/30/19.  The product has an establishment number “EST. 51308” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the boxes. These products were shipped to distributors in Ft. Orange, Fla. and Norcross, Ga. Recalled products were produced on March 26, March 29, April 2, April 5, April 10, and April 12, 2019.

Why It Was Recalled 

The FDA issued the recall because of potential E. coli contamination that has sickened over 177 people so far, with 21 people needing to be hospitalized. No deaths have been reported as of now. Affected states include Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Virginia.

How to Tell if Your Ground Beef Is Part of the Recall 

Check the use through dates and establishment numbers on your products before cooking and consuming. At this time, no single supplier, distributor or brand of beef has been officially connected to the outbreak.

What Parents Can Do 

If you have any affected products, either throw them away or return to the place of purchase. Parents can also contact Ashley Barnes at Colorado Premium Foods at (970) 313-4400 with any questions.

 

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Pexels

 

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Over 100 people across the country have been sickened by an E. coli outbreak that has baffled experts at the Centers for Disease Control. Now it finally has a source: ground beef.

The CDC has issued an update on the E.coli outbreak in six states and believes that ground beef is likely to blame. Unfortunately the agency has not been able to pin point a specific brand or supplier where the affected beef is coming from so it has not issued any recalls yet. Since consumers have reported getting sick after eating ground beef both at home and restaurants it makes it more difficult to determine the source.

So far the states affected by the outbreak include Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia. This is the third largest multi-state E. Coli outbreak in the past 20 years.

For the time being the CDC is not making an official recommendation to stop eating ground beef, however it is urging people to take food safety precautions when cooking and eating. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. You should keep raw meat separate from other foods and make sure to clean any utensils, cutting boards or other surfaces that raw meat comes in contact with, as well as washing your hands.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Angele J via Pexels

 

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If you’re confused by how to read food expiration dates, you aren’t the only one who just doesn’t get it. Best by? Sell by? Use by? Before you toss a seemingly ancient box of pasta or a might-be expired can of tomatoes, read on.

Do you assume that the “sell by” date on your milk, cheese or any other product is set by some sort of research or government standard? Even though this is a popular view, expiration dates aren’t actually regulated in the United States.

photo: difisher via Pixabay

A recent study published in the journal Waste Management examined what consumers really understand when it comes to food expiration dates and wording. According to the study, one-third of the 1,029 adults surveyed incorrectly believed that the “best if used by” or “use by” date was federally regulated. Another 26 percent of consumers were unsure whether the date was, or wasn’t, regulated. Along with confusion over whether use by dates are or aren’t regulated, a whopping 84 percent of study participants threw away food that was near its package expiration date at least occasionally.

So what do the different phrases and dates really mean? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, manufacturer-provided food dating that says “best by” refers to when food is of its best quality—an arbitrary determination made by the company and not a safety guide.

The only current exception is baby formula. “Best by” dates printed on baby formula are safety indicators, meaning that you need to follow those strictly.

photo: Alan Levine via Flickr

Phrases are a bit trickier to understand than dates. A “use by” date refers to the last day of the food’s peak quality. A “sell by” date is more for retailers than consumers, indicating the last day a seller should display the item for sale.

This brings us to the big question: should you throw away food that’s past its “use by” or “sell by” date? There’s no clear answer. Properly stored food that has no evidence of spoilage typically doesn’t need to go in the trash. Unsure about how long perishable items—such as ground beef, chicken or milk—can stay fresh and safe in the fridge or freezer? Foodsafety.gov has a handy chart to use.

—Erica Loop

 

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photo: My Flourless Kitchen

Sneak some extra veggies into your little one’s diet with this genius recipe from Erin of My Flourless Kitchen. If you don’t have a spiralizer, Erin recommends cutting your zucchini into quarters lengthwise and peeling off strips with a vegetable peeler (or you can find them pre-spiralized at some grocery stores).

Ingredients
For the meatballs:
10 ounces extra lean ground beef
1 egg
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp fennel seeds

For the zoodles:
4-5 zucchini
2 cups of tomato sauce

Method
For the meatballs:
1. Combine all ingredients and form into small (golf-ball sized) balls.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, brown the meatballs for a couple minutes on all sides.

3. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and cover with a lid. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Instant Pot method:
1. Put the browned meatballs in the Instant Pot, cover with sauce and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.

For the zoodles:
1. Using a spiralizer, make your zucchini noodles (zoodles).

2. Add them to your cooked meatballs and sauce and cook briefly, just enough to warm them.

Thanks to Erin for sharing this recipe with us—visit her at My Flourless Kitchen for more healthy, family-friendly recipes. You’ll love her take on paleo, low-carb and gluten-free eating.

For a fuss-free dinner, you’ve got to try this crock pot recipe from Jenny of Dragonfly Home Recipes. Unlike some sloppy joe recipes, this one has a short list of ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Even picky eaters are sure to gobble these up.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar
Hamburger buns

Method
1. Brown the meat and onion in a large saucepan.

2. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the meat mixture into your crockpot, trying to leave most of the fat in the saucepan to discard. Place the rest of the ingredients in the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

3. Serve on buns with a salad and/or coleslaw. Enjoy!

This recipe and photo come courtesy of Jenny from Dragonfly Home Recipes, a Michigan-based blogger who shares fresh recipes using in-season ingredients. Check out her blog for more mealtime inspiration.

 

Stumped on what to make for dinner this week? We’ve got some amazing ideas for you—these recipes are quick, healthy and delicious enough to please your whole crew. Read on for recipes for every day this week. 

1. Monday: Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos
Skip the prepared taco seasoning packets and try out this easy slow cooker recipe from Wholesomelicious. Just throw ground beef and a few spices and herbs into the crock pot, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go when you get home. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: Wholesomelicious

2. Tuesday: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Fish
If your kids are normally a little iffy about seafood, this parmesan-crusted white fish from Hola! Jalapeño might just win them over. Pair it with rice and veggies for a filling meal that you can feel good about serving. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Amazing Almonds via Flickr

3. Wednesday: Vegetarian Chili
We love going meatless at least one day a week, and this veggie chili from What’s for Dinner? is a great way to dip your toe into vegetarian cooking. It’s got plenty of beans to keep you full, and becomes extra hearty when served on top of a baked potato. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: What’s for Dinner?

4. Thursday: Crock Pot Sweet Pork
This ridiculously simple recipe from Table for 7 is a lifesaver on a busy day. It’s made in the crock pot using just three ingredients, and it’s bound to be an instant kid favorite. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.

photo: Table for 7

5. Friday: Pan-Roasted Chicken and Shallots
You can whip this delish chicken recipe from Food Network up in less than half an hour. The shallots go great with the chicken breast, and everything turns out perfectly crispy and golden. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: Food Network

What are you making for dinner this week? Let us know in the Comments below.

—Susie Foresman

Box meals will become a thing of the past once you try this easy, creamy Skillet Lasagna from one of our favorite food blogs, Our Family Eats. This recipe is full of wholesome, nutritious ingredients that quickly come together to create a hearty meal that you can feel good about serving again and again.

Ingredients
8 sheets of lasagna noodles
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups all natural prepared pasta sauce
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (you can use more if you’re a cheese lover)

Method
1. Break lasagna noodles into pieces, approximately 2″ long.  Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and drain well.

2. Meanwhile, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking up large pieces.  Add onion and continue cooking until beef is cooked through and no longer pink.  Drain fat and return to the pan.  Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.  Pour in the pasta sauce; cook for about 2 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to medium low.  Add the cooked lasagna noodles to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.  Place 4-5 spoonfuls of ricotta cheese to the skillet, spacing them out around the skillet.  Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.  Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.  Stir to combine the cheese with other ingredients.

4. Serve warm with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Serves 4

Recipe adapted from Weight Watchers One Pot Cookbook.

Susan Schuman is a working mom with two small kids and a hungry husband. She writes Our Family Eats to share ideas for fun, wholesome meals that anyone can fit into their hectic schedule.  You can connect with Susan on Twitter @ourfamilyeats.