More than 167,000 pounds of ground beef recalled for E. Coli risk

On By Littum

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit-based meat distributor, is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products for potential E. coli contamination. The products were sent to restaurants all over the country.

An estimated 15 people in Minnesota reported becoming ill, with “onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024 to November 10, 2024,” according to a Wednesday press release from the US Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

FSIS released a list of affected productsalong with pictures of labels for recalled goods. The fresh products had a use-by date of November 14, while the frozen products had a production date of October 22, according to the agency. The products show “EST. 2574B” on the label.

These items may still be in restaurant freezers or refrigerators, according to FSIS, which urges restaurant operators “not to serve these products.” All affected products should not be consumed and should instead be thrown away or returned.

The products may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 — the same bacteria recently linked to onions served at several McDonald’s locations. The Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that about 73,000 illnesses in the United States are caused by this particular strain of E. coli each year.

“E. coli is a bacteria that is very, very common. We all have some E. coli in our guts, and animals have E. coli.” Dr. James Gaensbaueran infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, previously told HuffPost. “So when we talk about E. coli in the context of these outbreaks, we’re really talking about a particular strain of the bacteria that is more likely to cause disease.”

Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, dehydration and stomach cramps, which can occur about two to eight days after exposure. You may also experience fever or vomiting. If you experience bloody diarrhea, experts recommend that you seek medical attention immediately.

Most people recover from E. coli O157:H7 infection after a week or so, but a complication from the bacteria can cause a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is associated with kidney failure. This occurs most often in children under 5 or older adults, but anyone infected can be at risk. If you are concerned, contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to help you solve any ailment ASAP.