Ground beef recalled nationwide after illnesses linked to E. coli O157:H7 contamination, with 15 cases confirmed in Minnesota.
Massive Recall Affects Restaurants Nationwide
Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit-based meat processor, has recalled 167,277 pounds of ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The affected products, shipped to restaurant locations nationwide, include fresh ground beef with a “use by” date of November 14, 2024, and frozen products produced on October 22, 2024.
The recall follows an investigation triggered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which reported a cluster of illnesses linked to the ground beef. FSIS confirmed the contamination after a sample from an outbreak investigation tested positive for the harmful bacteria on November 20, 2024.
Illness Cluster Highlights Serious Health Risks
To date, 15 people in Minnesota have fallen ill, with symptoms such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The onset dates for these cases range from November 2 to November 10, 2024. While most individuals recover within a week, E. coli O157:H7 poses a severe risk, particularly for young children and older adults, as it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal form of kidney failure.
Symptoms of HUS include easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Individuals experiencing these signs are urged to seek emergency medical care immediately.
Restaurants Advised to Discard or Return Contaminated Products
The recalled products bear the establishment number “EST. 2574B” within the USDA mark of inspection. FSIS warns that the contaminated ground beef may still be stored in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are instructed to immediately discard the products or return them to their place of purchase.
FSIS also reminds consumers and foodservice operators to handle raw meat carefully and to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, verified using a food thermometer, to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Public and Industry Response
Don Tanner, a representative for Wolverine Packing Co., encouraged concerned consumers and media to contact the company at 248-762-1533 for more information. FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure all customers are notified and the products are removed from circulation.
This is not Wolverine Packing Co.’s first brush with recalls. While the company has long been a significant supplier to restaurants across the country, this incident raises questions about supply chain safety protocols and quality control measures within the meatpacking industry.
Broader Food Safety Concerns
The contamination underscores the continued challenges in ensuring food safety at scale. E. coli outbreaks remain a serious public health concern, particularly in ground beef, which is more susceptible to bacterial contamination during processing.
FSIS provides resources for consumers to report food safety issues via its Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-674-6854) and its online complaint system.
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