The number two outbreak of 2018 is the JBS Tolleson Ground Beef Salmonella outbreak that is still ongoing. At least 333 people in 28 states are sick. Ninety-one people have been hospitalized.
The company recalled 6.9 million pounds of beef products on October 4, 2018, and then recalled an additional 5.2 million pounds on December 4, 2018. The beef has the establishment number “EST. 267” that is usually inside the USDA mark of inspection, but can be found elsewhere on the package. The brand names of some of the recalled products are Kroger, Laura’s Lean, and Generic JBS. The recalled items include ground sirloin, ground beef patty, fine ground chubs, Kroger GB loaf, and ground round loaf.
The case count by state as of December 12, 2018 is: Arizona (50), California (107), Colorado (58), Connecticut (1), Hawaii (4), Idaho (3), Iowa (2), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Kansas (1), Kentucky (1), Michigan (1), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (2), Mississippi (1), Missouri (3), Montana (8), New Mexico (11), Nevada (13), Ohio (9), Oklahoma (6), Oregon (1), South Dakota (9), Texas (19), Utah (11), Washington (3), West Virginia (1), and Wyoming (5). Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 5, 2018 to November 9, 2018.
You can contact food safety attorney Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900 if you think you are part of this ground beef Salmonella outbreak.
Most people, or 88% of those interviewed, said they ate ground beef at home the week before they got sick. That is significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy people; just 40% ate ground beef the week before.
The recall information and outbreak information come with warnings to consumers about how to handle raw ground beef. It should never be eaten raw or undercooked. All ground beef products including ground beef, veal, and pork should be cooked to 160°F and this temperature should be measured for accuracy with a reliable food thermometer. You can’t tell whether or not beef is safe to eat by appearance. And avoid cross-contamination by being careful about beef juices. Wash hands and all items that have come into contact with raw ground beef with warm, soapy water.
