INDIANA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for certain raw organic ground beef products sold at Whole Foods Market due to potential E. coli contamination. The affected products are 1-pound, vacuum-packed packages of Organic Rancher organic 85% lean and 15% fat ground beef with “use- or freeze-by” dates of June 19 or June 20. These packages originated from Vermont-based NPC Processing and bear the establishment number “Est. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
While the contaminated ground beef is no longer available for purchase, the FSIS is concerned that consumers may still have these packages in their refrigerators or freezers and advises against consuming them. They should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
No illnesses have been confirmed with these products. However, E. coli is a dangerous bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in young children and older adults. Consumers are advised to consult a healthcare provider if they have any concerns.
Organic Rancher stated the affected products were sold between May 26 and June 3 in numerous states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Products with different dates are not affected.
FSIS reminds consumers to cook all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, using a food thermometer to ensure safety. Organic Rancher has identified the root cause of the issue and implemented corrective actions.
