An Arizona company voluntarily recalled more than 6.5 million pounds (2.9 kilograms) of beef that could be contaminated with salmonella, federal officials announced Thursday.
An investigation traced products, including ground beef and beef patties to JBS Tolleson, Inc., a meat packing plant west of Phoenix. The raw beef was packed between July 26 and Sept. 7 and shipped to retailers nationwide, including Walmart, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Some of the products have a sell or use by date in late September.
An epidemiological investigation found 57 people in 16 states have become ill so far. That includes 15 cases in Arizona, the state's health officials said.
The recalled beef is marked with "EST.267" on the packaging. Officials say people should check their freezers for any of the meat, and either throw it out or return it to where it was purchased.
The beef was sold under the names Cedar River Farms, ComNor Perfect Choice, Gourmet Burger, Grass Run Farms, Showcase at Walmart and in generic packaging.
A spokeswoman for JBS did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday.
Most people recover from salmonellosis without treatment, health officials say. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever that could last up to a week.
"Salmonella can cause serious illness, so it is critical that everyone take precautions by not eating the recalled meat and thoroughly cooking all beef products," said Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
