On July 3, 2008, The Kroger Co. expanded an earlier recall of ground beef products due to an ongoing investigation of a foodborne illness from E. coli outbreak. Included in the recall are ground beef products that were packaged in Styrofoam trays and wrapped in clear cellophane at the following Kroger establishments:

• Fred Meyer - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/05/08,”
• QFC - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/05/08,”
• Kroger stores (except in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Knoxville, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Kroger Mid-Atlantic division - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/19/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Fry’s - “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Ralph’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Smith’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Baker’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08,”
• King Soopers - Product with “Sell By” dates between “6/20/08” and “07/03/08,”
• City Market - Product with “Sell By” dates between “06/20/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Hilander - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Owen’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Pay Less - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Scott’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Dillons - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08,” and
• Gerbes - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08.”

Also included in the recall are 16-ounce packages of “Private Selection Natural Ground Beef,” with “Sell By” dates between “07/11/08” and “07/21/08.” This recalled product was distributed to Kroger retail establishments, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, Smith’s and Fry’s stores.

Consumers are urged to check refrigerators and freezers to determine if they own a recalled Kroger ground beef product, and, if they do, to throw it away or return it for a refund.

Consumers may contact the Kroger Consumer Hotline at 800-632-6900. For more information, customers may also “AskKaren,” the Food Safety and Inspection Service virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture Hotline is available at 1-888-674-6854.

Source: “Ohio firm expands recall of ground beef products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination,” Food Safety and Inspection Service Release R01-2008, July 3, 2008.