Health officials trace E. coli outbreak to Detroit meat distributor, prompting nationwide recall of ground beef products. (Shutterstock)
- Fifteen people reported ill with E. coli symptoms linked to ground beef from Wolverine Packing Co.
- Recalled products include fresh and frozen ground beef with specific "use by" dates and USDA inspection marks.
- FSIS urges restaurants not to serve affected products and advises consumers to cook beef thoroughly to 160°F.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A massive recall of ground beef has been issued due to potential E. coli contamination, affecting restaurants nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that approximately 167,000 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. in Detroit, Michigan, are being recalled.
The recall was prompted by an investigation conducted by the FSIS in collaboration with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health. According to the FSIS, “Fifteen people were reported sick as of Nov. 20, with symptoms beginning between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10.”
A ground beef sample tested by the Minnesota Department on November 20 was found to contain E. coli O157:H7, a harmful strain of bacteria. The FSIS has provided a comprehensive list of affected products and their labels, urging restaurants to check their inventories.
Related Story: At Least 75 Sickened as Deadly McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Expands
“The FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers,” the agency stated, advising restaurants “not to serve these products.” Consumers are also encouraged to cook all beef products to 160 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate potential bacteria.
The recalled products can be identified by the number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Fresh products have a “use by” date of Nov. 14, while frozen items are marked with an Oct. 22 “use by” date.
E. coli O157:H7, the same strain linked to a recent McDonald’s Quarter Pounder incident, can cause severe health issues, including intestinal bleeding and kidney damage.
Read more at NBC News