Beef recalled from Fred Meyer
PORTLAND – Fred Meyer’s parent company has announced a recall of ground beef sold in all of its stores in Washington and Idaho because of possible E.coli contamination.
No illnesses have been reported in the Northwest at this time, according to Melinda Merrill, spokeswoman for Fred Meyer stores, owned by Kroger Co.
The beef has been linked to Omaha-based Nebraska Beef, the supplier of products connected to E. coli illnesses in Michigan and Ohio.
The recall includes products sold in Styrofoam trays wrapped in clear cellophane or purchased from an in-store service counter. Meat sold under the store’s “Private Selection Natural” label also is recalled.
Cincinnati-based Kroger’s says the sell-by dates on the products were listed as July 11 through July 21 of this year.
The meat was sold after May 21; all meat from Nebraska Beef has been removed from store shelves.
Not included in the recall are sealed tubes of ground beef sold in 1-, 3- or 5-pound packages and frozen ground beef patties sold in the frozen food section of its stores.
Fred Meyer operates nine stores across Idaho, including Coeur d’Alene, Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls and Pocatello. Washington stores include four in the Spokane area, as well as stores in Ellensburg, Wenatchee and Yakima.
Customers are being asked to carefully check the ground beef they have at home in their refrigerators and freezers.
The beef can be returned for a full refund or replacement.
Kroger is notifying customers about the expanded recall by placing signs in stores in meat departments. It also is using its register receipt notification system.
Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Most people recover within 5 to 7 days.
Health officials urge people to thoroughly cook hamburger and use a digital thermometer to make sure meat has been heated to at least 160 degrees. They also recommend that people wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.