On March 22, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared a months-long foodborne outbreak finally over. 

Based on a CDC investigation, which also included several state public health and regulatory officials, ground beef produced by JBS Tolleson, Inc. was the source of a Salmonella Newport outbreak that sickened 403 individuals in 30 states. Approximately 117 people had to be hospitalized for their illness symptoms. No deaths have been reported. Illness onset dates range from August 5, 2018, to February 8, 2019. Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may have been part of this outbreak.

An initial recall of 6.9 million pounds of beef products was recalled in October, followed by a subsequent recall of an additional 5.2 million pounds of beef products in December.

CDC says that despite officially declaring the outbreak over, consumers may still have the contaminated beef in their freezers. Recalled beef products were produced and packaged from July 26, 2018, to September 7, 2018, and were shipped to retailers nationwide under many brand names. The package label includes “EST. 267.” Recalled beef can be returned to the store, or discarded completely. Consumers with questions about the recall can call the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at (800) 727-2333.

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