RECALL: 167,000+ Pounds of Ground Beef Shipped Nationwide

The United States Department of Agricultures' Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Public Health Alert for ground beef products that were shipped to retail locations across the country, including Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. They say the ground beef products may be contaminated with E. Coli O157:H7.

Raw Ground Beef Products May Be Contaminated with E. Coli O157:H7

Wolverine Packing Co. in Detroit Michigan has issued a recall for 167,277 pounds of raw ground beef products. The fresh products has a Best-By-Date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products have a production date of October 22, 2024.

What Exactly Is E. Coli?

E. Coli is the commonly abbreviated name for the group of Escherichia coli bacterias. It is often found in our environments, in our digestive tract, as well as in the digestive tract of animals, and it is also commonly found in food. There are several different kinds of E. Coli bacteria and most of them are harmless to humans. However, there are that some, like E. Coli O157:H7 that produce a powerful toxin, known as Shiga according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Symptoms of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a Shiga Toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) infection can start to cause symptoms within three to four days of ingesting something contaminated by the bacteria but they do say that illnesses can start as early as one day, or as late as ten days after exposure. The CDC says symptoms include:

Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli STEC) infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

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STEC Can Also Cause a Type of Kidney Failure Known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

In addition to the symptoms above, the USDA points out that while most people impacted by this type of bacteria are able to recover in about a week, there are those who may develop something called hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS. This is a type of kidney failure that can impact anyone but it most commonly occurs in children under the age of five years old, and older adults. HUS can cause decreased urine output, pallor, and easy bruising, and anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate emergency medical care.

Preventing Food Borne Illnesses

One of the best way to prevent food borne illnesses is to ensure proper handling and proper cooking. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees and that temperature should be checked using a meat thermometer. Learn more about safe internal cooking temperatures for your food here.

Reported Illnesses Believed to Be Linked to Michigan Ground Beef

Illnesses have been reported as a result of the contamination according to the FSIS. They say 15 cases of illness have been reported so far.

FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and 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. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

Recalled Ground Beef Was Shipped to Restaurants Nationwide

The affected products were shipped nationwide to restaurants who the FSIS says should check their freezers and refrigerators. If you believe you have consumed contaminated food and are exhibiting signs or symptoms of E. coli, contact a healthcare professional.

Contact for Consumer Questions

Consumers that have questions regarding the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533. Those who have general food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)

[Source: FSIS.USDA.gov; CDC]