Ground beef is a staple ingredient in many households. From hamburgers to meatballs to chili, it’s a versatile and delicious meat option. However, like any food product, ground beef is susceptible to contamination and recalls. Recently, there have been several notable ground beef recalls due to potential E. coli contamination.
If you have ground beef in your refrigerator or freezer, you may be wondering what products are impacted by these recalls This comprehensive guide covers all the key details on recent ground beef recalls, including affected brands, identifying product information, safety risks, and steps you can take
Overview of the Ground Beef Recalls
In November 2024, Wolverine Packing Co. issued a major ground beef recall covering over 167,000 pounds of products. This Class I recall was initiated after a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses were reported in Minnesota. At least 15 people fell ill, with illness onset dates ranging from November 2 to November 10.
An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked the illnesses to ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. On November 20, the company issued a recall covering fresh and frozen ground beef items produced in late October 2024.
This followed another significant ground beef recall in September 2024 by Tyson Foods and Lakeside Refrigerated Services, covering over 39,000 pounds of ground beef products. This recall was also prompted by potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
What Brands Are Included in the Recalls?
The Wolverine Packing Co. recall covered ground beef products sold under a variety of brand names, including Wolverine Packing Co, Davis Creek Meats, Sentry, Troyer Foods, AC Legg, and others You can view the full list here.
The Tyson and Lakeside Refrigerated Services recall in September 2024 included ground beef products under brand names such as Kroger, Laura’s Lean, and Private Selection. See the full list here.
So while certain major brands are implicated, check carefully as the recalls impact specific production dates and lots.
Identifying Recalled Ground Beef Products
To determine if you have recalled ground beef products, check the package for the following identification numbers:
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Establishment number: This will be a code starting with “EST”, such as “EST. 2574B” for the Wolverine recall.
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Production/use by date: The recall covers specific date ranges. For Wolverine, fresh products have a use by date of 11/14/2024 and frozen items have a production date of 10/22/2024.
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Lot code: This is printed on the packaging and indicates the specific production lot. The first 2-3 digits identify the producing plant.
You can also reference the label images provided by the FSIS for the recalled products. If you purchased your ground beef from a grocery or restaurant, they should be able to check the source details as well.
Health Risks of E. coli in Ground Beef
The E. coli O157:H7 strain implicated in these recalls can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever, starting around 2-8 days after ingesting contaminated food.
While most healthy adults recover within 5-7 days, around 5-10% of cases lead to potentially life-threatening complications like kidney failure. This is especially a concern for the very young, elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Properly handling and cooking ground beef kills E. coli bacteria, making it safe to eat. The recalled products specifically pose a risk if undercooked. Take extra caution and check your ground beef thoroughly during this time.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Ground Beef
If you find you have recalled ground beef products:
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Do not eat the ground beef. Discard or return the product.
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Clean any surfaces/utensils that may have touched the recalled meat. Wash thoroughly with hot soapy water.
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Call the store where you purchased the beef to notify them, if applicable.
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Follow cooking guidelines for non-recalled ground beef, cooking to an internal temp of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
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Monitor for symptoms if you think you may have consumed recalled beef. Seek medical care if diarrhea, vomiting or other concerning symptoms develop.
Following proper food safety practices can prevent illness. Take care to cook ground beef thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen, and check expiration dates routinely. Following recall notifications also helps reduce your risk when contamination issues arise.
The Takeaway on the Ground Beef Recalls
With multiple large-scale recalls in recent months, it’s important to stay vigilant about ground beef safety. Thoroughly check any ground beef products in your home for identifying labels and production dates against the recall lists. Reference the FSIS website and brand communications for updates. Practice safe handling and cooking, and discard any recalled items immediately. Taking these steps helps protect you and your family from potential E. coli risks during this time.
Summary Product Lean Ground Beef Issue Food – Microbial contamination – E. Coli – other pathogenic What to do
Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products Distribution Ontario
|
Brand |
Product |
Size |
UPC |
Codes |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aladdin Foods |
Lean Ground Beef |
variable |
none |
BEST BEFORE FE.28.25 PACKED ON: FE.24.25 |
Sold at Aladdins Food, 9A-611 Wonderland Rd. N, London, ON |
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O103 contamination.
Ground beef shipped nationwide recalled over E. coli risk
FAQ
Is this ground beef safe to eat?
ground beef needs to be cooked to 160 f to be 100% safe. color isn’t a good indicator of doneness because it can still be pink sometimes depending on spices and type of cooking.
What brand of ground turkey is being recalled?
The following products are subject to recall: 2.5-lb. trays containing “farm to family BUTTERBALL all natural Ground Turkey” with the case code 50211271, a sell or freeze by date of 10/18/2021, and timestamps from 2123 through 2302 printed on the packaging.
What Tyson ground beef is on recall?
The raw, ground beef items were produced on November 2, 2022. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]: 10-lb. chubs containing “HILL COUNTRY FARE GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN/ 27% FAT with BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY: NOV 25, 2022.”