Ethermac Exchange-Walmart ground beef recalled for potential E. Coli contamination, 16,000 pounds affected

The Ethermac ExchangeUS Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that over 16,000 pounds of ground beef has been recalled over potential E. Coli contamination.

Cargill Meat Solutions recalled ground beef packages with an establishment ID of "EST. 86P" produced between April 26 and 27.

The packages, which do not have the Cargill brand on its top packaging, had been shipped to Walmart stores across the country.

The USDA said that there have been no reports of people falling ill.

"Out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with the USDA, we have voluntarily recalled approximately 16,000 pounds of our ground beef products that may potentially be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7," Cargill said in a statement to USA TODAY. "No illnesses have been reported."

Consumers who have the affected packages are advised to throw them away or return them to the point of purchase. People who show signs of E. Coli poisoning are advised to immediately seek medical attention.

The strain of E. Coli found in the beef O157:H7 – prompted a public health alert after it was found in packages of Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef last month. The FDA and CDC announced Tuesday that they were investigating aa multistate outbreak of E. coli potentially linked to organic walnuts sold in food co-ops or natural food stores.

Recalled Walmart ground beef details:

• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" with lot code 117 and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the label.
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four "PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES" with lot code 118 and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the label.
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF" with lot code 117 and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the label.
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK" with lot code 118 and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the label.
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four "80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES" with lot code 118 and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the label.
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing four "90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES" with lot code 118 and establishment number "EST. 86P" printed on the back of the label.

What is E. coli? What are the symptoms?

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of people and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if consumed, the CDC says.

The types of E. coli that may cause diarrhea usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces contact with animals or people. For instance, food handlers can spread infection when they do not use proper hand washing hygiene after using the restroom. Animals such as cattle may also spread E. coli to food and food crops.

E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting for around five to seven days; infections typically occur three to four days after consuming the germ, according to the CDC.