Over 167,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Nationwide Due to E. coli Contamination

A significant recall of ground beef has been issued by Wolverine Packing Co. of Detroit, Michigan, due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products are included in the recall. These products were distributed to restaurants across the United States.

The recall was triggered after the FSIS was notified on November 13, 2024, about several illnesses in Minnesota linked to ground beef from Wolverine Packing Co. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in the beef. As of now, 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened, with illness onset dates ranging from November 2 to November 10, 2024.

The recalled products include both fresh and frozen ground beef. The fresh products have a “use by” date of November 14, 2024, while the frozen products are labeled with a production date of October 22, 2024. All recalled products bear the establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause severe symptoms such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is particularly dangerous for children under 5 years old and older adults. Symptoms of HUS include easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output, and individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

Restaurants and consumers are advised not to serve or consume the recalled products. Instead, they should either throw the products away or return them to the place of purchase. The FSIS and other health authorities are working to ensure that all potentially contaminated meat is removed from circulation to prevent further illnesses.