Urgent Health Alert: Ground Beef Products May Be Contaminated with E. Coli O157:H7 – What You Need to Know

**FSIS Public Health Alert**

On June 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a health alert concerning ground beef products linked to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The alert serves to inform consumers that these products should not be consumed, although a recall was not initiated since they are no longer available for purchase.

The affected ground beef was produced on May 22 and 23, 2025. The specific item in question is:

• 1-lb. vacuum-packed packages of “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT” with “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25” and “Use or Freeze By 06-20-25” indicated on the packaging.

This product carries the establishment number “EST. 4027” within the USDA inspection mark. It was shipped to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland, then distributed to Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.

The issue arose when the supplier informed FSIS that tests showed the beef had E. coli O157:H7. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed illness cases linked to these products so far. However, if anyone feels unwell, it’s vital to consult a healthcare provider.

Experts say E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including dehydration and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 days after exposure. Most people recover within a week, but some, particularly young children and older adults, may develop serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure. Signs of HUS include easy bruising and decreased urine output. Immediate medical care is essential for those showing these symptoms.

FSIS urges consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected products. If you have purchased this ground beef, it’s best to dispose of it or return it to the store.

To stay safe, ensure that any ground beef you prepare is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Using a food thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm that the meat is safe to eat. For more cooking safety tips, visit the [FSIS safety temperature chart](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart).

In 2022, the CDC reported over 1,500 cases of foodborne illnesses connected to E. coli, highlighting the importance of food safety practices. With statistics like these, it’s crucial that consumers remain vigilant about the food they purchase and consume.

If you have questions regarding this alert, contact Danny Desautels, President of NPC Processing, Inc., at 802-660-0496 (office) or 802-310-7644 (cell). For general food safety inquiries, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or via email at MPHotline@usda.gov. Additionally, to report issues with any meat or poultry products, you can use the [Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System](https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/).

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