Lidl has issued a recall for a specific batch of ground beef sold in multiple stores across France due to contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness. The affected product, labeled as "L'Etal du boucher" ground beef with 5% fat, was sold in 300-gram trays between August 24 and September 1, 2026, in various Lidl stores. The product's GTIN (a barcode number) is 4335619100503, and the lot number is 38500809, with an expiration date up to September 1, 2026. Consumers are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased. A full list of affected stores is available on the recall website. Consuming the contaminated ground beef can lead to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. In about 5 to 8% of cases, especially among children, this infection can lead to severe kidney complications. Anyone who has eaten the product and is experiencing symptoms is advised to see a doctor as soon as possible, informing them of the consumption, as well as the store and date of purchase. If no symptoms develop within 15 days, medical attention is not necessary. To reduce the risk of illness, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, it is important to cook ground meats thoroughly—ideally to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. Lidl has stated that consumers who purchased the affected product will be reimbursed for the contaminated batch. As of now, no end date has been set for the recall process, and the company is working to ensure all affected products are removed from store shelves.