E. coli Alert: Ground Beef Sold in Michigan May Be Contaminated

A health alert has been issued for ground beef sold in Michigan and across the U.S. after possible E. coli contamination was discovered.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the public health alert for ground beef products shipped to distribution centers across Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland. The ground beef products were then distributed to Whole Foods Market locations across the US.

Why Was a Recall Not Issued?

It should be noted that the FSIS issued a public health alert rather than a recall. According to the FSIS website, a recall was not issued because the products are no longer in stores and are not available for purchase; however, they may still be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

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If you have these products on hand, you are strongly advised not to consume them.

Which Ground Beef Products Are Affected?

Here's what to look for:

• 1-lb. vacuum-packed packages of “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT.
• Use or Freeze By 06-19-25" and "Use or Freeze By 06-20-25" as represented on the packaging.
• The product bears the establishment number "EST. 4027" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The FSIS was notified by the manufacturer that the ground beef products had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.

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How Dangerous Is E. coli O157:H7?

There have not yet been any reports of illness due to the consumption of any contaminated products.

This particular strain of E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.