Check Your Fridge: Ground Beef May Be Contaminated With E. Coli

If you recently purchased ground beef from Whole Foods Market, you may want to check the label. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for some ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. Coli.

The raw ground beef was produced on May 22, 2025, and May 23, 2025, and shipped to distribution locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland, as well as to Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.

The affected product carries the establishment number "EST. 4027" inside the USDA mark of inspection label. The packaging details are as follows:

• 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" stated on the packaging.

According to the USDA, there have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of the affected products. A recall was not issued because the affected products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that consumers may still have the product in their fridge or freezer.

E. Coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) following exposure to the organism. Common symptoms include easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output, according to the USDA. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you have the product in your fridge or freezer, dispose of it right away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For questions or concerns regarding the public health alert, you can contact Danny Desautels, NPC Processing, Inc., President, at 802-660-0496 (office), 802-310-7644 (cell), or [email protected].