The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:CriticalUSDA FSIS·072-2018·Announced 2018-08-30

Publix Recalls Ground Chuck Products Due To Possible E. coli O26 Contamination

Publix Super Markets is voluntarily recalling ground chuck products sold in Florida from June 25 to July 31, 2018, due to possible E. coli O26 contamination linked to 18 illnesses.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states the recall is classified as 'High - Class I' by the agency and reports 18 confirmed illnesses, meeting the rubric criteria for a Critical severity score.

Plain-English summary

Publix Super Markets Inc. is voluntarily recalling an undetermined amount of ground beef products made from chuck that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on August 30, 2018. The affected products were purchased by consumers from June 25, 2018, through July 31, 2018, and were shipped to Publix retail locations in several Florida counties.

FSIS was notified on August 16, 2018, of an investigation into E. coli O26 illnesses. FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state partners determined that raw ground chuck was the probable source of the reported illnesses. The epidemiological investigation identified 18 case-patients, predominantly from Florida, with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25, 2018. Traceback information indicated that case-patients consumed ground chuck products purchased at various Publix Super Markets.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. FSIS notes that some product may be frozen in consumers' freezers. Consumers with questions can contact Publix Super Markets customer care at 1-800-242-1227 or visit their website.

The recalled product

Product
Publix Super Markets Inc. Recalls Ground Chuck Products Due To Possible E. coli O26 Contamination
Brand
Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Deli Plant
Manufacturer
Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Deli Plant
Category
Food — Ground Beef
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed in 1 state:

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