More than 165K pounds of ground beef recalled due to possible E. coli contamination

A recall has been issued for over 165,000 pounds of ground beef because of possible E. coli contamination.

The Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled around 167,277 pounds of ground beef products, both frozen and fresh, that may have been tainted with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.

“The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness,” the agency said.

Information on the ground beef recall
The frozen items are labeled with a manufacturing date of October 22, 2024, while the recalled beef has a “use by” date of November 14, 2024.

The USDA mark of inspection is accompanied by the establishment number “EST. 2574B” on the products. To view the complete product specifications and photos, click here.

Every item affected by the recall was distributed to eateries across the country.

The FSIS stated that after receiving the initial reports of illnesses on November 13, “working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster.”

“On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for E. coli O157,” the department said. “To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024.”

As part of an ongoing investigation, the agency said it is still collaborating with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health.

These products are not to be served in restaurants, according to the FSIS, which also raised concerns “that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers.”

“These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the recall notification said.

Additionally, the FDA stated that “anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.”

E. Coli symptoms
The Minnesota Department of Health states that Escherichia coli O157 “is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli.”

“Healthy humans and animals’ intestines are home to the majority of E. coli strains, which are harmless. But according to the government, the O157 strain releases a potent toxin that can result in serious sickness. The symptoms of an E. Coli O157 infection include cramping in the abdomen and severe diarrhea, which is frequently bloody. The majority of E. coli O157 infections do not cause fever or vomiting.

The government states that two to five days following bacterial exposure is when signs of an E. Coli O157 infection usually appear.

After five to seven days, the majority of patients recover from their infection without treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, according to the FDA, “some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.”

“The best ways to prevent infection are by keeping your hands clean, preparing food safely, and drinking safe water,” the CDC adds.