USDA Issues Public Health Alert: E. coli Contamination in Organic Ground Beef
USDA Issues Public Health Alert: E. coli Contamination in Organic Ground Beef
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for potentially E. coli O157:H7-contaminated Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef (1-lb packages, “Use or Freeze By” 06-19-25 and 06-20-25, EST. 4027). While not a formal recall (product is no longer available for sale), FSIS urges consumers to check their freezers.
The affected beef, produced May 22-23, 2025, was distributed nationwide via Whole Foods Market through distributors in CT, GA, IL, and MD. NPC Processing Inc. (Vermont) self-reported the positive E. coli test. No illnesses have been reported.
Key Risks: E. coli O157:H7 causes severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and potentially hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. Symptoms typically appear 2-8 days post-exposure.
Mitigation: Do not consume the affected product. Discard or return it to the point of purchase. Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (verified with a thermometer).
Contact: For questions, contact NPC Processing Inc. (Danny Desautels: 802-660-0496 or 802-310-7644, [email protected]). For general food safety concerns, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-674-6854) or file a report at foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF.
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