Recent Ground Beef Recalls due to E. coli Contamination – What You Need to Know

Ground beef is a staple in many American households. From hamburgers to meatballs to chili, ground beef is versatile budget-friendly and delicious. However, raw ground beef can also harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli if not handled properly. There have been several large ground beef recalls in recent months due to E. coli contamination. Here’s an overview of the key recalls and what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Overview of Major Ground Beef Recalls

In November 2024, Wolverine Packing Company recalled over 167,000 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The products were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide. The recall was initiated after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture notified the USDA of several E. coli illnesses linked to ground beef consumption. Ultimately, 15 cases were identified across one state.

A few months earlier in September 2024, Tyson Foods recalled over 39,000 pounds of Weaver brand ground beef patties also due to possible E. coli contamination. That recall covered products shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Prior to that in August 2024 Lakeside Refrigerated Services recalled over 120,000 pounds of ground beef products for the same E. coli issue. Those items were sold nationwide as well.

Dangers of E. coli in Ground Beef

These recalls highlight the potential dangers of E. coli in raw ground beef. E. coli O157:H7 is a particularly dangerous strain that can cause severe illness. Symptoms typically include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. While most people recover within 5-7 days, some go on to develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can be deadly, especially in young children and the elderly.

Ground beef is more prone to E. coli contamination than other types of beef because the grinding process mixes bacteria throughout the meat. Just a tiny amount of contaminated meat can spread E. coli to large batches of ground beef.

Proper cooking kills E. coli but you can’t rely on sight smell or taste to determine if ground beef is safe to eat. Instead, you must use a food thermometer to check that ground beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

What to Do if You Purchased Recalled Ground Beef

If you have any of the recalled ground beef products in your home, do not eat them. Throw the products away in a secure garbage can or return them to the store for a refund.

You can check the USDA’s website for full details on recalled products. The recall announcement will include product labels, package sizes, sell-by dates, and establishment numbers to help identify recalled items. If in doubt, throw it out.

Thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that may have touched the recalled beef using hot soapy water. Be vigilant for any E. coli symptoms in the coming weeks, especially in young children who may have handled or eaten the contaminated beef. See a doctor immediately if severe stomach cramps or diarrhea develop.

Steps to Enjoy Ground Beef Safely

You can prevent E. coli infections by taking proper precautions when buying, storing, handling and cooking ground beef:

• At the grocery store, pick up ground beef last and check the use-by date. Don’t buy packages that are torn or leaking.

• Refrigerate ground beef within 2 hours of purchasing – refrigerate below 40°F or freeze below 0°F.

• Thaw frozen ground beef safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave – never at room temperature. Cook thawed beef immediately.

• Separate raw beef from other foods in your fridge to prevent cross-contamination.

• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after touching raw ground beef. Never place cooked food on an unwashed surface that touched raw meat.

• Use a food thermometer to cook beef burgers and meatloaf to 160°F. Check temperature in several spots to ensure even cooking.

• When reheating sauces, chili or soup with ground beef, bring to a full boil. Check internal temperature of 165°F.

Following safe handling and cooking practices will help you avoid foodborne illness from ground beef. Be diligent about food thermometer use and proper refrigeration and freezing. Stay up-to-date on ground beef recalls so you can check your freezer for any recalled products. Taking these simple steps will allow you to keep enjoying flavorful ground beef dishes safely.