Ground beef recalled due to possible E. coli contamination

More than 167,000 pounds of ground beef shipped to restaurants nationwide are being recalled by a Michigan meatpacking company because of concerns about possible E. coli contamination, federal officials said Wednesday.

At least 15 cases of the bacteria have been reported in Minnesota this month, linking back to the Wolverine Packing Co. — as concerns grow that the contaminated food could be in restaurant refrigerators and freezers across the country, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The illnesses among consumers were documented between 2 November and 10 November.

“The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill individuals who had reported eating ground beef prior to their illness,” the federal agency said.

After officials became aware of the sick consumers on Nov. 13, an investigation quickly determined there was a link between ground beef products at Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. and the E. coli contamination.

A sample of ground beef taken at the business by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on Wednesday tested positive for the bacteria, which can be fatal, officials said.

Symptoms of E. coli include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps that can occur days after exposure.

Restaurants should discard products with a “use by” date of November 14, 2024 and frozen products with a production date of October 22, 2024.

Overall, 167,277 pounds of ground beef have been recalled.

“FSIS is concerned that some products may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers,” the agency said. “Restaurants are encouraged not to serve these products. These products must be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

Wolverine Packing Co. first opened in 1937 and is now third-generation family-owned with more than 900 employees, according to its website.

The company said in a statement that it is working with FSIS during an investigation into the possible contamination.

“We also conduct an intensive internal audit to fully review suppliers and processes in place, including strict quality control measures, to maintain the highest standards of production,” it told The Post.

“As a third-generation, family-owned and operated company for nearly 90 years, we are committed to food and consumer safety. It is our highest priority.”

Earlier this week, consumers were advised to throw away whole and baby carrots sold at some of the nation’s largest supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s, because the vegetables may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

Grimmway Farms issued the recall after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that its organic carrots could be tied to an outbreak that has killed one and sickened nearly 40.

McDonald’s has also faced a recent E. coli problem after cases were discovered in 14 states due to the onions served on the fast food’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to federal officials.