What Beef Was Recalled Recently Due to E. coli Contamination?
Ground beef recalls due to potential E coli contamination have unfortunately been in the news lately Just this month, over 160,000 pounds of ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. were recalled across the United States after being linked to an E. coli outbreak.
E. coli outbreaks related to ground beef are not uncommon. However, this recent recall of Wolverine Packing Co. ground beef stands out due to the large quantity of recalled meat and the number of states impacted. This article provides details on the ground beef recalled, the scope of the recall, and advice on how to stay safe when cooking ground beef.
Key Details on the Wolverine Packing Co. Ground Beef Recall
In November 2024, Detroit-based meat distributor Wolverine Packing Co. issued a recall for approximately 167,277 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products. This enormous recall was triggered after a cluster of E.coli illnesses in Minnesota were traced back to Wolverine Packing Co. beef.
The recalled ground beef products were shipped to restaurant locations across the country. The concern is that some of this recalled meat may still be in restaurant freezers. The USDA is advising restaurants not to serve any of the recalled ground beef.
The recall covers both fresh and frozen ground beef items. The fresh ground beef was produced on November 14, 2024 and has a “use by” date of 11/14/2024. The frozen ground beef products have a production date of October 22, 2024.
All of the recalled ground beef products bear the establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark. This number is key to identifying if ground beef in a restaurant or freezer is part of the recall.
As of November 20, 2024, there were 15 confirmed cases of E.coli illness in Minnesota linked to the Wolverine Packing Co. ground beef. Illness onsets ranged from November 2 to November 10, 2024. The USDA is continuing to investigate this outbreak with the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture.
E. Coli Risks and Ground Beef Safety Tips
Raw ground beef inherently carries risks, as E. coli bacteria can spread during the grinding process. Proper cooking is critical for killing any potential E. coli. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F and using a food thermometer to verify doneness.
Consumers should also be diligent about separating raw beef from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Always wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw ground beef.
Refrigeration is important too, as E. coli can multiply rapidly at room temperature. Ground beef should be refrigerated at 40°F or below and used within 1-2 days of purchase.
When dining out, patrons may want to inquire how thoroughly their restaurant cooks ground beef and burgers and their process for verifying food temperatures. It is understandable to have heightened concerns about ground beef safety right now.
However, consumers can protect themselves by being informed, taking proper precautions, and following USDA ground beef handling and cooking guidelines. While food recalls are scary, we have the tools to greatly reduce our risk through smart food safety practices.
With some care around preparation and cooking, we can still enjoy quality ground beef and burgers safely. Stay vigilant, but don’t live in fear. By working together with restaurants and regulators, we can prevent future outbreaks and recalls.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AR-beef-recall-getty-images-4x3-67f254f0b1fe406da702861373501097.jpg)
Ground beef recall 2024 due to E. coli risk
Wolverine Packing Co. has recalled about 167,277 pounds of ground beef products due to possible E. coli contamination.
This month, multiple illnesses were linked to ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co.
As of Nov. 20, 15 people in Minnesota were reported to have fallen ill, with their symptoms beginning between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10.
The FSIS was notified of these illnesses on Nov. 13 and, after investigating with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, the agency determined that “there was a link” between this group of illnesses and ground beef from Wolverine Packing Co.
On Nov. 20, the Minnesota Department tested a ground beef sample from Wolverine Packing Co. and found it had tested positive for a strain of harmful bacteria called E. coli O157:H7.
“Wolverine has notified all customers that received product encompassed by the recall,” the company said in a statement.
“We are also conducting an intensive internal audit to fully review suppliers and processes in place, including rigorous quality control measures, to maintain the highest standards of production.”
Ground beef shipped nationwide recalled over E. coli risk
FAQ
Is beef safe to-eat now?
USDA is confident that the meat supply is safe. USDA has a rigorous meat inspection process, which includes Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) veterinarians who are present at all Federal livestock slaughter facilities.
Is Walmart ground beef on recall?
-
YouTube · WBNS 10TVhttps://www.youtube.comGround beef sold at Walmart recalled for possible E. Coli contaminationMay 2, 2024 — and we’re back with a consumer alert right now check your refrigerator. check your freezer walmart is recalling more than 16,000 pounds of ground bee…
-
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Servicehttps://www.fsis.usda.govCargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E …May 1, 2024 — coli O157:H7 Contamination. … WASHINGTON, May 1, 2024 – Cargill Meat Solutions, a Hazleton, Pa., establishment, is recalling approximately 16,243 p…
How do I know if my meat was recalled?
The complete list of recalls released by USDA/FSIS can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Recalls & Public Health Alerts webpage.
What deli meats have been recalled?
- A Listeria Outbreak Led To The End Of Liverwurst For Boar’s Head (2024) …
- Coppa Found In Charcuterie Boards Was Tainted With Salmonella (2024) …
- Continental Glatt Kosher Didn’t Get Its Meats Inspected, Thus A Recall (2020)
What brand of ground beef is recalled?
The beef was sampled and came back positive for first E. coli O157:H7. What brand of ground beef products is recalled? The recalled beef products were sold under a slew of names, including Wolverine Packing Co. and Davis Creek Meats. The FSIS has a full list of recalled products and product labels online.
What to know after 160,000 pounds of ground beef recalled?
What to know after 160,000 pounds of ground beef recalled The recall was issued after 15 illnesses were reported to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and traced back to Wolverine Packing Co. ground beef. The recalled products were distributed to restaurants nationwide and include both fresh and frozen ground beef under various brand names.
Why was ground beef recalled in Minnesota?
The issue was first detected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture after the agency learned that a group of people in the state became sick after eating ground beef, according to FSIS. The beef was sampled and came back positive for first E. coli O157:H7. What brand of ground beef products is recalled?
Did Wolverine packing recalled ground beef?
The recalled products were distributed to restaurants nationwide and include both fresh and frozen ground beef under various brand names. This is the second major recall for Wolverine Packing Co., which also recalled 1.8 million pounds of ground beef in 2014 due to E. coli concerns.
Can recalled beef make you sick?
The recalled beef is linked to at least 15 illnesses, per FSIS. In case you’re not familiar with it, Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a type of bacteria that’s commonly found in the intestines of people and animals, per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most forms of E.coli are harmless, but some can make you sick—and even be deadly.
Why was Wolverine recalled?
The products were were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide. Ground beef recalled due to E. coli concern Wolverine Packing Co. has recalled 167,277 pounds of ground beef due to possible E. coli contamination. More than 165,000 pounds of ground beef has been recalled due to potential E. coli contamination.