JBS Tolleson Inc., a Tolleson, Ariz., establishment, is voluntarily recalling a little more than 6.9 million lb. of various raw, non-intact beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS).

The raw, non-intact beef items, including ground beef, were packaged on various dates from July 26 to Sept. 7, 2018. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 267” inside the USDA mark of inspection and were shipped to retail locations and institutions nationwide.

“Yesterday, out of an abundance of caution, JBS USA initiated a voluntary recall of ground beef products from our Tolleson, Ariz., beef production facility due to the potential presence of salmonella,” JBS said said in a statement. “Our priority at all times is consumer safety. We are working in close partnership with USDA to make sure all potentially impacted product is removed from stores and homes.”

On Sept. 5, FSIS was notified of an investigation of S. Newport illnesses from reported consumption of several different FSIS-regulated products by case-patients. The first store receipt potentially linking the purchase of FSIS-regulated product to a case-patient was received on Sept. 19, 2018; FSIS was then able to begin traceback of ground beef products. To date, eight case-patients have provided receipts or shopper card numbers, which have enabled product traceback investigations.

Salmonellosis symptoms following the consumption of contaminated food appear within 12-72 hours and usually last four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, FSIS said the illness may be so severe in some people that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness.

FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and to only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. Other cuts of beef should be cooked to a temperature of 145°F and be allowed to rest for at least three minutes. The only way to confirm that ground beef or other cuts of beef are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at (800) 727-2333.