Meat packer expands beef recall to 12M pounds over Salmonella outbreak

JBS Tolleson, Inc., a Tolleson, Ariz. establishment, is recalling more than 12 million pounds of beef that may be contaminated with salmonella.

The company initially recalled over 6.5 million pounds of beef in October. A total of 246 people have became sick in 26 states.

Those at most risk for severe illness include people with weakened immune systems, babies and elderly individuals. It usually hits between 12 hours and three days after eating food with salmonella and hangs around for four to seven days.

"FSIS is continuing to investigate illnesses associated with this widespread outbreak, and additional product from other companies may be recalled", the agency said in a statement. "267" stamped inside the USDA mark of inspection. When available, the retail distribution list (s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls. Not all who eat infected meat will get sick, but they can pass the infection on to others.

Health officials are concerned that consumers may have the recalled beef stored in their freezers.

"The most important thing people can do is to throw away beef products that they have at home that have been recalled", said Jessica Rigler, Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

The recall was issued after health officials identified JBS as the common supplier of raw ground beef products found to be the "probable source" of reported salmonella illnesses. In addition, "only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F".

Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Anyone with questions about the recall can contact the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at 800- 727-2333.