It’s a nationwide recall.
A Detroit-based meatpacking company, Wolverine Packing Co., is recalling over 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to its connection to E. coli infections among restaurant patrons. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after the contaminated beef was distributed to restaurants nationwide.
The issue came to light after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported a cluster of illnesses linked to ground beef consumption. As of now, 15 cases of E. coli infection have been confirmed in Minnesota, all occurring during the first two weeks of November. No cases have been reported in other states so far. Testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture found a ground beef sample from Wolverine Packing Co. tested positive for E. coli O157.
The FSIS, in collaboration with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, is continuing its investigation. Consumers are urged to dispose of or return any recalled ground beef that may still be stored in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. A full list of affected products and labels is available for reference.
This recall follows recent food safety concerns, including a recall of organic carrots earlier in the week and a significant E. coli outbreak linked to onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders last month. The McDonald’s incident led to 104 reported cases, 34 hospitalizations, and one fatality across 14 states.
E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in food, water, and animal intestines. While most strains are harmless, some can cause severe health issues such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, or even death. Vulnerable groups include young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers. Severe symptoms include high fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, and immediate medical attention is advised for those affected.
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