WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2023 - Valley Meats, LLC, based in Coal Valley, Ill., has initiated a recall of approximately 6,768 pounds of raw ground beef products after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was announced today, urging distributors, restaurants, and institutional users to discard or return the affected products.

The recalled raw ground beef items were produced on December 22, 2023, and bear various labels. These include:

- 12-lb. box packages of "ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES" with product code 1208PL, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 7:36:38AM to 08:00:48AM.

- 16-lb. box packages of "ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES" with product code 1253PL, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 7:25:50 AM to 08:00:36AM.

- 28-lb. box packages of "Ground Beef Patties" with product code 72287, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 12:44:00PM to 12:54:32PM.

- 28-lb. box packages of "Ground Beef Patties" with product code 72287, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamp 1:02:55PM.

- 24-lb. box packages of "Ground Beef Patties" with product code 72284, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 1:10:09PM to 1:10:17PM.

- 13.5-lb. box packages of "GROUND BEEF PATTIES" with product code 1103, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, Use By 01/15/2024, and time stamps between 1:41:55:55PM to 1:57:53PM.

- 20-lb. box packages of "GROUND BEEF" with product code 8515, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, and time stamps between 1:16:24PM to 1:31:15PM.

- 40-lb. box packages of "GROUND BEEF" with product code 8020VP, Run No. 3356GRDB, date code 231222, and time stamps between 1:34:54PM to 2:00:49PM.

These products, which bear the establishment number "EST. 5712" inside the USDA mark of inspection, were distributed to various locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan for further distribution to restaurants and institutional users.

Valley Meats initiated the recall after notifying FSIS that samples of their ground beef products, sent for microbiological analysis to a third-party laboratory, tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. However, there have been no reported cases of adverse reactions associated with the consumption of these products.

FSIS has expressed concern that some of the recalled products may still be in refrigerators or freezers of restaurants and institutions. Therefore, these establishments are strongly advised not to serve these products. Instead, they should dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase.

As part of their standard procedure, FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure that the recalling company notifies their customers about the recall and takes appropriate action to remove the product from the market. Any updates or retail distribution lists related to the recall will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

To ensure consumer safety, FSIS recommends that all consumers properly cook their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen ground beef, to a minimum internal temperature of 160 F. This temperature is necessary to eliminate harmful bacteria such as E. coli.

For media inquiries regarding the recall, David Walker, President of Valley Meats, LLC, can be contacted at 309-799-7341 Ext: 230 or dwalker@valleymeatsllc.com. Consumers with questions can reach out to Daniel Mapes, QA Manager, at 309-799-7341 Ext: 229 or dmapes@valleymeatsllc.com.

For general food safety concerns, consumers can utilize the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or submit inquiries via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. Additionally, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System is available 24/7 for consumers to report any issues related to meat, poultry, or egg products.