Kroger Expands Its Beef Recall to 20 States
The Kroger Co. expanded its voluntary recall of 5 million pounds of ground beef products to its stores in more than 20 states, saying the meat may be contaminated with E. coli.
The recall began in Michigan and Ohio early last week after several illnesses were reported by consumers who purchased beef at Kroger stores. The meat was traced back to Omaha-based Nebraska Beef Ltd., which initially recalled about 531,707 pounds of beef before the recall was expanded.
Even before the recall's expansion, many grocers across the country pulled the potentially tainted meat off store shelves before the July 4 holiday weekend as consumers prepared to stock up.
Kroger, operator of 2,474 grocery stores across the country under 23 banners including Ralphs, Dillons and City Market, is encouraging consumers to check their freezers and is asking consumers to return all ground beef packaged in Styrofoam trays with a clear plastic wrapping, which it will refund or replace.
The recall does not apply to ground beef in sealed tubes, patties sold in the frozen-food aisle, or branded products, the company said.