Wolverine Packing Co. recalls 160,000 pounds of ground beef for E. coli

On By Littum

game

  • The recalled products were distributed to restaurants across the country and have been linked to 15 illnesses in Minnesota.
  • Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, and typically appear within two to eight days of consuming contaminated food.
  • Consumers are encouraged to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products and dispose of them immediately.

About 167,200 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products are being recalled due to E. Coli concerns, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Wednesday.

According to the USDA, over 100 products manufactured by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. subject to recall after diseases were reported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. A group of people in the state reported eating ground beef before becoming ill, prompting an investigation. Tests later confirmed the presence of E. coli in a beef sample taken from Wolverine Packing Co.

While the products were distributed to restaurants nationwide, 15 cases of E. coli poisoning have been identified in Minnesota alone, with illness onset dates ranging from Nov. 2 to Nov. 10, the USDA said. Affected products may still be in restaurant refrigerators and should be disposed of immediately, the agency warned.

Here’s what you need to know about the Wolverine Packing Co. recall.

What Wolverine Packing Co. products are being recalled?

The recall covers over 100 raw fresh and frozen minced meat products. Products are sold under other brand names besides Wolverine Packing Co., including 1855 Beef, Davis Creek Meals, Farmer’s Choice, Heritage Restaurant Brands and Cheney Brothers, Inc., according to a list of labels published by the USDA.

Fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with a production date of 10/22/24. All affected products have the company number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

See the full list as published by the USDA here:

E. coli poisoning symptoms

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of humans and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested, says the CDC.

According to the USDA, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These may include:

  • Dehydration
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever

In rare cases, some people, especially older adults and children under the age of 5, can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by easy bruising, paleness, and decreased urine production. These people should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Avoid E. Coli poisoning

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, it is important to prepare fresh and frozen raw beef products properly to avoid getting sick. Ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 Fahrenheit and checked with a food thermometer.

The The CDC also suggests safe food handling practices, such as washing hands with soap and water before and after handling food, using the bathroom, and contact with animals and their surroundings. Raw meat or cooked foods must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, and surfaces that have come into contact with them must be dried before further use.

Never place or store cooked food with raw meat or poultry, and be sure to wash fruit and vegetables before use.