Detroit meat packer recalls ground beef for possible E. coli contamination

On November 22, 2024By Littum

MICHIGAN (WNEM) – The Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit meat packing company, is recalling over 167,000 pounds of ground beef product due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released the announcement on Wednesday, November 20.

The recalled fresh products have an expiration date of “11/14/2024” and the frozen products are marked with a production date of “10 22 24.” The recalled products bear the company number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were sent to restaurants throughout the country.

Examples of recalled ground meat labels from Wolverine Packing Co. — Examples of recalled ground beef labels from Wolverine Packing Co.(US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service)

For a complete product list, click here. To see all labels, click here.

FSIS said the problem was first discovered when it was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that a group of sick individuals reported eating ground beef prior to their illness. FSIS was notified of the illnesses on November 13.

While working with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, FSIS determined that there was a connection between the Wolverine Packing Co. ground beef products. and this disease cluster.

On Wednesday, as part of the outbreak investigation, a sample of ground beef collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for E. coli O157, FSIS said. As of Thursday, November 21st, 15 case patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2nd to 10th.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact their doctor, as E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially fatal bacteria that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps for two to eight days — or three to four days on average — after exposure to it, FSIS said.

Most people recover within a week, but some people may develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can occur in anyone of any age but is most common in children under 5 and in older adults. FSIS said common symptoms of this are easy bruising, paleness and decreased urine output. Anyone who has these symptoms should seek immediate, emergency medical attention.

FSIS said it is concerned that some products may be in freezers or refrigerators at restaurants and is urging restaurants not to serve the products. They must be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email questions to [email protected].

For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry or egg product, you can do so by submitting a Electronic consumer complaint form. The electronic electronic monitoring system for consumer complaints can be accessed 24 hours a day.

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