USDA Issues Warning on Ground Beef Sold Nationwide for Possible E. Coli Contamination
The USDA issued a public health alert warning consumers against eating 1-lb. vacuum-packed packages of "Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% LEAN 15% Fat'
The agency noted that the product tested positive for E. coli
The agency said there have "been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products"The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a warning for ground beef that may have been contaminated with E. coli.
The USDA shared a public health alert on Tuesday, June 3 warning people to avoid eating the 1-lb. vacuum-packed packages of "Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% LEAN 15% Fat' if it is located in their homes.
The ground beef product was produced on May 22, 2025, and May 23, 2025 and bears establishment number "EST. 4027" inside the USDA mark of inspection, according to the agency.
The USDA said the product was shipped to distributor locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland, and was later distributed to Whole Foods Market retail locations nationwide. The agency was eventually notified that the ground beef product tested positive for E. coli.
A recall was not announced since the USDA said the 'products are no longer available for purchase.' However, if they are in a person's freezer or refrigerator, that person should throw it away or return it to the 'place of purchase," the alert said.
'There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider,' the USDA said in a statement.
E. coli is a bacteria that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals, and if people eat foods contaminated with certain strains of the bacteria, it can cause 'severe foodborne disease,' according to the World Health Organization.
Some symptoms of ingesting a food item with E. coli include diarrhea and severe stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In severe cases, people can also experience a high fever of 102°F and above and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to 'kidney failure, permanent health problems, and even death.'
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'This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults,' the USDA said. 'It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output.'
'Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately,' the agency added.
The USDA noted that it advises all consumers to 'safely prepare their raw meat products' and 'only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F' — which is a high enough temperature to 'kill harmful bacteria.'
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