Hannaford Bros. Supermarkets announces any ground beef with a “sell-by” date of Dec. 17 or earlier should be returned to the Hannaford of purchase.
In connection with a USDA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) food safety investigation, Hannaford Supermarkets is voluntarily recalling ground beef and advising consumers to check for any ground beef purchased at its stores with a “sell-by” date of Dec. 17 or earlier.
These ground beef products may be contaminated with a Salmonella typhimurium strain (S. typhimurium). The information received to date indicates that 10 people have become ill, all of whom have indicated that they purchased ground beef between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20.
The 85 percent lean variety of ground beef was most common to affected individuals. In an abundance of caution, Hannaford is voluntarily recalling all ground beef sold during this period and will accept returns for a full refund for any ground beef with sell-by dates of Dec. 17 or earlier.
All ground beef affected by this recall has been removed from stores. Hannaford is confident in the safety of its product offering. Customers should return or dispose of any ground beef with the Dec. 17 or earlier sell-by date. Hannaford has fully cooperated with the USDA and CDC investigation.
To prevent Salmonella typhimurium and other foodborne illnesses, wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and cook ground beef to a safe internal temperature of at least 160-degrees Fahrenheit.
Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of Salmonella are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 6 to 72 hours. The Salmonella typhimurium strain is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Customers who have questions are encouraged to call the Hannaford Customer Information Center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. – 800-213-99040, option 6.
Specific products in scope of this recall are any size package of the following: All Hannaford Regular Ground Beef designated 73, 75, 80, 85 or 90 percent; all Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef designated 80, 85 or 90 percent; and, all Nature’s Place Ground Beef designated 85 or 90 percent.
Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, operates 179 stores and employs more than 26,000 associates in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. For additional information, visit www.hannaford.com.
