Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit-based meat distributor, is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products after reports of potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recall impacts products shipped to restaurants across the United States, with at least 15 people in Minnesota reporting illnesses linked to the bacteria.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the illnesses occurred between November 2 and November 10, 2024. The agency has released a list of affected products, including images of the labels. The fresh ground beef had a use-by date of November 14, while the frozen products were produced on October 22. All affected items are marked with “EST. 2574B” on the label.
FSIS is urging restaurants not to serve the recalled products and to discard or return them immediately.
What You Need to Know About E. coli O157:H7
E. coli O157:H7 is a particularly harmful strain of bacteria, responsible for approximately 73,000 illnesses annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration, with onset occurring 2-8 days after exposure. Severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition associated with kidney failure.
“This strain of E. coli is more likely to cause disease,” explained Dr. James Gaensbauer, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Consumers and restaurant operators are advised to be vigilant, as some of the contaminated products may still be in freezers or refrigerators. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately.
For additional details on the recalled items, including images and lot numbers, visit the FSIS website or contact Wolverine Packing Co. directly.