WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert this week for certain ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium. The alert was issued to warn consumers not to consume the products, though a recall was not requested as they are no longer available for purchase.
The affected product is 1-pound vacuum-packed packages of “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT” with “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25” or “Use or Freeze By 06-20-25” on the packaging. Produced on May 22 and 23, 2025, the product bears the establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection (view labels – PDF). It was shipped to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland and further distributed to Whole Foods Market stores nationwide.
The contamination was discovered when the producing establishment, NPC Processing, Inc., notified FSIS that a batch of ground beef tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. No confirmed illnesses have been reported, but FSIS is concerned that some product may remain in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers are urged to discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe symptoms, including dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, typically appearing 2 to 8 days after exposure. In some cases, particularly among young children and older adults, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition marked by easy bruising, pallor, and reduced urine output. Those experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
FSIS advises consumers to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, verified with a food thermometer, to ensure harmful bacteria are killed.
For questions, consumers can call 802-660-0496.
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