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Pennsylvania Ground Beef Recall Issued Due to E. coli Contamination

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. f-recall-issued-due-to-e-coli-contamination.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 15:17 GMT by Patch

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Pennsylvania Ground Meat Recall: Potential E. coli Contamination Prompts Urgent Action

A widespread recall of ground beef products has been issued across Pennsylvania and several other states due to potential E. coli contamination. The recall, initiated by Tristate Valley Beef LLC, impacts a significant amount of meat sold under various brand names at retailers throughout the region, prompting concerns about public health and urging consumers to carefully check their freezers and pantries.

The initial announcement, made on June 13th, 2024, stemmed from a routine sampling conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). This sample revealed the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in a batch of ground beef produced at Tristate Valley Beef’s facility in Mifflintown, Juniata County. E. coli O157:H7 is a particularly dangerous strain that can cause severe illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

What's Being Recalled?

The recall encompasses ground beef products packaged between March 31st, 2024, and June 6th, 2024. This timeframe represents a substantial production window, increasing the potential reach of the contaminated product. The affected meat was sold under several brand names including:

• Tristate Valley Beef: This is the primary brand associated with the facility.
• Reis-Hillbo Farm Country Meats: A distributor that repackaged and labeled Tristate Valley Beef's products.
• Seltzer’s Markets: A local grocery chain in Western Pennsylvania, also receiving product from Tristate Valley Beef.
• Various Private Label Brands: The meat was also sold under store-specific labels at various retailers, making identification more challenging for consumers.

The recalled ground beef has a "sell or freeze by" date ranging from April 13th, 2024 to June 20th, 2024. Crucially, the recall extends beyond Pennsylvania, impacting West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. This broad distribution highlights the interconnected nature of food supply chains and underscores the importance of widespread consumer awareness.

Symptoms & Risks Associated with E. coli Infection

E. coli O157:H7 infection can manifest in a variety of ways, typically within 3 to 4 days after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. While most people recover without treatment, the illness can be more serious for vulnerable populations. Complications can include Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that primarily affects children and can lead to kidney failure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of thorough cooking of ground beef to kill E. coli bacteria. However, cross-contamination during food preparation is a significant concern, as even small amounts of contaminated meat can spread the bacteria to other foods or surfaces.

What Should Consumers Do?

The PDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are strongly advising consumers who may have purchased any of the recalled ground beef products to immediately discard it. Do not attempt to refreeze the meat. Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the contaminated product using hot, soapy water and a bleach solution.

Consumers who believe they may be experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection should consult a healthcare professional immediately. Reporting suspected illnesses to local health departments can also help public health officials track outbreaks and identify potential sources of contamination.

Investigation & Corrective Actions

Tristate Valley Beef has ceased production while an investigation is underway to determine the source of the E. coli contamination within their facility. The FSIS is working with Tristate Valley Beef to implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. The company’s website (linked in the original Patch article) provides a detailed list of recalled products and retailers, along with contact information for consumer inquiries.

This recall serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with foodborne illnesses and the importance of robust safety measures throughout the food production process. While recalls are often inconvenient, they represent a critical tool in protecting public health by swiftly removing potentially harmful products from the market. The PDA is urging consumers to remain vigilant and follow all recall instructions carefully. The investigation into the root cause of this contamination will be crucial for ensuring the long-term safety of Tristate Valley Beef’s operations and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Resources:

• [ Tristate Valley Beef Recall Information ] (Link from original article)
• [ USDA FSIS Website ]
• [ CDC - E. coli Information ]