Kroger asks consumers to check for bad beef
The Kroger Co. is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for ground beef products with “sell by” dates that indicate that might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria linked to illnesses in Michigan and Ohio.
Based on the latest information from the USDA, Kroger is expanding the recall to include ground beef products in Styrofoam tray packages wrapped in clear cellophane or purchased from an in-store service counter from the stores described below.
There are various “sell by” dates on the ground beef being recalled due to different Nebraska Beef production dates. Included in the recall are ground beef products sold at Kroger stores with the “sell by” dates of from May 21 to July 3.
In addition, Kroger is recalling Private Selection Natural ground beef sold in 16 oz. packages that were in self-service meat cases. The “sell by” dates for this product is July 11 through July 21, 2008. The product was available at all Kroger stores.
Kroger is asking customers to carefully check the ground beef they have at home in their refrigerators and freezers. If they have any products covered in this recall, they should return the product to a store for a full refund or replacement.
Items NOT INCLUDED in the recall are ground beef sold in sealed tubes in one, three or five-pound packages and frozen ground beef patties sold in the frozen food section of its stores.
Kroger has already begun notifying customers about this recall by placing signs in stores in meat departments. Kroger is also using its register receipt notification system that alerts customers about recalls of products they may have purchased.
Kroger has instructed every store involved in the recall to discard the ground beef products in question and thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment used to prepare ground beef for sale.
Consumers who have questions about the recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900.