Detroit-based meat company recalls 167,000 pounds of ground beef over E. coli concerns

DETROIT — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced a recall of approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products distributed by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. due to possible E. coli contamination issues. The recall involves fresh and frozen ground beef products that were distributed to restaurants nationwide.

The fresh products have a “use by” date of 14/11/2024, while the frozen products are labeled with a production date of 22/10/24. A complete list of recalled products and their associated item codes can be found here. Images of the labels on the recalled packages can also be found here.

The recall was initiated as part of an investigation by the USDA and the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, which began when several reported illnesses after consuming ground beef. On November 13, investigators determined that there was a link between the ground meat products and the individuals in the disease cluster.

On Wednesday, ground beef tested by the MDA as part of the investigation tested positive for E. coli. To date, MDA is aware of 15 people who have become ill after consuming the beef with start dates ranging from November 2, 2024 to November 10, 2024.

E. coli is a potentially fatal disease caused by bacteria and is especially dangerous for people under 5, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of E. coli include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. Symptoms tend to appear between two and eight days after exposure.

Most people recover within a week and do not require treatment, but severe cases may require medical attention.

The USDA is urging all restaurants that have the recalled products not to serve them. Restaurants are asked to throw the products away or return them to the place of purchase.