NOVI, MI (October 2, 2012) –The Kroger Co. of Michigan confirms Michigan Kroger stores are not affected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s current ground beef recall by Canadian meat packing company XL Foods, Inc.

“The Kroger ground beef products sold in our stores in Michigan are not included in this recall,” said Dale Hollandsworth, Customer Communications Manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. “If a recall were to occur, Kroger would initiate our customer recall notification system to alert all customers who may have purchased recalled product.”

Always use proper handling, storage and cooking practices to protect against food-borne illness. According to the USDA, when ground beef is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of no less than 160 degrees, harmful bacteria is destroyed and the ground beef is safe to consume.

 Beef Safety Tips

• Cook beef to 160ºF.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm beef reaches the recommended internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the center of the beef from the side.
• Always wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after handling raw beef.
• These tips are especially important for gatherings that include young children, pregnant women, older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems.

A full product list of recalled items and affected areas is available on our website www.kroger.com/recall and is organized by name and UPC code.

About Kroger

Incorporated in Michigan in 1909 and headquartered in Novi, The Kroger Co. of Michigan includes 16,000 associates, 130 Kroger stores, 46 fuel centers, 104 pharmacies and the Michigan Dairy.   

Nationally, Kroger is the largest traditional grocery retailer, employing more than 339,000 associates who serve customers in 2,425 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The Company also operates 789 convenience stores, 337 fine jewelry stores, 1,109 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food processing plants in the U.S.

Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 160 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. For more information, visit Kroger.com.

                                        ###

For more information, please contact:

Dale Hollandsworth

Customer Communications

The Kroger Co. of Michigan

248-536-1521