Urgent Health Alert: Potential E. coli Contamination in Organic Rancher Ground Beef Sold at Whole Foods

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert concerning potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination in specific ground beef products sold at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.en.wikipedia.org+10houstonchronicle.com+10allrecipes.com+10

Packaged ground beef at a grocery store amid a nationwide E. coli health alert.

Affected Product Details:


Product Name: Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat


Packaging: 1-pound vacuum-sealed packages


Production Dates: May 22 and May 23, 2025


Use or Freeze By Dates: June 19 and June 20, 2025


Establishment Number: EST. 4027 (found inside the USDA mark of inspection)

These products were distributed to Whole Foods Market retail locations across the United States, including states such as Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland. allrecipes.com+6cbsnews.com+6fsis.usda.gov+6
Health Risks Associated with E. coli O157:H7

E. coli O157: H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause severe health issues, including:cbsnews.com+4fsis.usda.gov+4ctinsider.com+4


Symptoms: Dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, typically occurring 2–8 days after exposure.


Severe Complications: Some individuals, particularly children under 5 years old and older adults, may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. fsis.usda.gov+1kktv.com+1en.wikipedia.org+2cbsnews.com+2fsis.usda.gov+2
Recommended Actions for Consumers


Do Not Consume: If you have purchased this product, do not eat it.


Dispose or Return: Safely discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.


Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms associated with E. coli infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately.apnews.com+1fsis.usda.gov+1kktv.com+7cbsnews.com+7ctinsider.com+7
Safe Handling and Cooking Practices:

To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses:economictimes.indiatimes.com


Cook Thoroughly: Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a food thermometer to verify.


Prevent Cross-Contamination: Keep raw meat separate from other foods, and wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling.fsis.usda.gov
For More Information

Consumers with questions can contact Danny Desautels, President of NPC Processing, Inc., at 802-660-0496 (office), 802-310-7644 (cell), or via email at ddesautels@npcprocessing.com.fsis.usda.gov

For food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.fsis.usda.gov+1kktv.com+1

Stay informed and ensure the safety of your food by regularly checking for updates on food recalls and health alerts.