Oregonian among 57 sickened in Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled beef

EUGENE, Ore. - An Oregonian is among the 57 Americans in 16 states sickened by the Salmonella contamination that has led to the recall of almost 7 million pounds of raw beef.

JBS Tolleson, Inc. of Arizona is now recalling 6,912,875 pounds of ground beef due to the possible contamination, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service said Thursday.

The beef was packaged between July 26 and September 7 of this year, USDA said.

The products subject to the recall have the number “EST. 267” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The products were shipped to retail locations and institutions nationwide.

The beef was sold under various names, including Cedar River Farms; ComNor Perfect Choice; Gourmet Burger; Grass Run Farms; and Showcase at Walmart. The beef was also sold in generic packaging.

The USDA is concerned some of the recalled product may have been frozen by consumers.

"Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them," according to USDA. "These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people started falling ill on August 5. Cases continued through September 6.

No one has died, but 14 people have been hospitalized, according to the CDC.

According to the USDA:

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.