A recent ground beef recall has raised nationwide concerns due to contamination with a dangerous strain of E. coli bacteria. Over 167,000 pounds of ground beef products, both fresh and frozen, have been pulled from circulation by Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit-based meat distributor.
Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and safe.
What is the Wolverine Packing Co. ground beef recall about?
On November 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall following reports of illnesses linked to the contaminated products.
The recall covers 167,277 pounds of ground beef distributed to restaurants across the country. Investigations by FSIS and the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health revealed that the contaminated products were a common factor in reported cases of E. coli infection earlier this month.
What products are included in the recall?
The recall involves both fresh and frozen ground beef products:
- Fresh products: Have a “use by” date of November 14, 2024.
- Frozen products: Have a “use by” date of October 22, 2024.
- All recalled products display the establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark.
These items were not sold directly to consumers but were distributed to restaurants nationwide. FSIS warns that some of these products may still be stored in restaurant refrigerators or freezers.
Interestingly, the E. coli O157:H7 strain involved in this recall is the same strain linked to a separate incident involving onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in October. Both cases underscore the importance of rigorous food safety measures across the supply chain.
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What should restaurants do?
FSIS has urged restaurants to take the following steps:
- Do not serve the products. Discard or return them to the supplier.
- Check storage areas. Ensure no affected products remain in inventory.
What is E. coli O157:H7, and why is it dangerous?
E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of bacteria known for causing severe gastrointestinal illness. While some strains of E. coli are harmless, this one can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Intestinal bleeding.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A condition that can cause kidney damage.
How many people have been affected so far?
As of November 20, 15 people reported symptoms consistent with E. coli infection, with onset dates ranging from November 2 to November 10. The symptoms include:
- Stomach cramps.
- Diarrhea, often bloody.
- Fatigue and dehydration.
FSIS has confirmed a link between these cases and ground beef from Wolverine Packing Co. Laboratory tests identified the same strain of E. coli in a sample of ground beef collected in Minnesota.
What should you do if you think you’ve consumed contaminated beef?
If you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Early treatment is crucial, especially in cases that may lead to HUS.
