Detroit’s Wolverine Packing Co. has recalled approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef due to concerns over possible contamination with E. coli. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on November 20, 2024.

The affected fresh ground beef carries a “use by” date of November 14, 2024, while frozen products are marked with a production date of October 22, 2024. These items were distributed to restaurants across the country.

Consumers can identify the products by the establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The issue came to light after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported a group of people had illnesses linked to ground beef consumption.

On November 13, FSIS was alerted to the cases and, in collaboration with Minnesota’s Agriculture and Health Departments, traced the illnesses to Wolverine Packing Co.’s products.

After a ground beef sample was collected, it tested positive for E. coli during an ongoing outbreak investigation. The announcement on November 20, confirmed the presence of the bacterium in Wolverine Packing Co.’s products.

E. Coli is a serious health threat. Symptoms like bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal cramps typically appear 2–8 days after exposure, with most cases resolving within a week.

However, in some instances, the infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but life-threatening form of kidney failure. Young children and older adults are most at risk for this complication.

It is characterized by symptoms such as easy bruising, pale skin, and reduced urine output. Anyone experiencing these warning signs should seek urgent medical care.

FSIS has expressed concern that some contaminated products may still be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Businesses are advised not to serve these items under any circumstances. Instead, the products should be discarded or returned to their place of purchase immediately.

When handling food, consumers should follow these key steps: Clean hands and surfaces often, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to safe temperatures, and refrigerate food promptly.

E. Coli bacteria are naturally found in various environments, including food, water, and the intestines of humans and animals. Most of these bacteria are harmless, aiding digestion, producing vitamins, and protecting against harmful germs.

We previously reported that on November 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public about the E. coli outbreak in the U.S. that is linked to organic carrots.

They revealed which products have been recalled, the affected states, case statistics, symptoms, and what people should do to avoid infection.

Although the supplier company issued a recall of the implicated products on November 16, the CDC warns that some of the recalled bagged carrots may still be present in consumers’ homes, even if they are no longer available on the shelves of local supermarkets.

People are advised to check their refrigerators for any brands of organic whole or baby carrots that have been recalled, and immediately discard or return them to the store.

Businesses are also cautioned against selling such items and have been urged to wash and sanitize any surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with the recalled carrots.

Grimmway Farms’ product recall consists of a comprehensive list of several brands. The affected brands include well-known names such as 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, and Marketside.

The E. coli outbreak has been confirmed in 18 states across the U.S., with a total of 39 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death. Additionally, the last reported illness onset occurred on October 28.

Interviews conducted with 27 individuals who fell ill revealed that 26 (96%) had consumed carrots in the week prior to experiencing symptoms, solidifying the link to the recalled products.