More than 40K pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart, other stores recalled over possible E. coli contamination

Nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef products have been recalled over concerns of possible E. coli contamination.

The Agriculture Department said on Monday that the beef was sold under two brand names, Marketside Butcher and Thomas Farms. The former is a brand specific to Walmart while the latter is carried by numerous supermarket chains across the country.

The agency said New Jersey-based Lakeside Refrigerated Services recalled the beef and that all products bear the marking “EST. 46841.”

“These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide,” the Agriculture Department said. “The problem was discovered during routine … testing. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.”

The agency also said it “is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.

“These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” it added.

Walmart said in a statement to The Hill that the products were being removed from store shelves, and noted that customers who purchased products under the recall code could return them for a full refund.

“Walmart is committed to providing our customers with safe, high-quality products at our everyday low prices. As soon as we were notified by Thomas Foods of the recall, we immediately began the process of alerting our stores and distribution centers to remove the affected product from our store shelves and inventory, including a sales restriction. Customers who have purchased the items identified in the recall should dispose of the product and return to their nearest Walmart for a full refund,” said a spokesperson.

Thomas Farms did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill.

Updated to include a comment from Walmart.