Possible E. coli contamination prompts ground beef recall

DETROIT ⁤— A significant recall has been issued by Wolverine Packing, as they pull back over 167,000 pounds of ground beef ‌from restaurants. This action‌ has been taken due to ​a potential‍ E. coli contamination risk.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service reported on Wednesday that fifteen cases of illness have been identified in Minnesota. These cases ⁤have been traced ‌back to consumption of‌ the​ contaminated ​beef⁤ between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10.

The products ⁣in question are fresh items with a ‌use-by date of Nov. 14 and frozen ⁣items labeled with a production date of​ Oct. 22. The ‍USDA mark of inspection on these products carries ‍the establishment number EST. 2574B.

The agency⁢ has expressed concern that some of these products‌ may still be in restaurant refrigerators or⁢ freezers across the nation. They strongly⁤ advise that all such products should be discarded ​or returned and under no circumstances should they be consumed.

The Food Safety⁤ and Inspection ⁣Service ⁤was alerted to the issue on ⁤Nov. 13 by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. They reported illnesses in individuals who had consumed ground‌ beef. A sample of ground beef collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on Wednesday tested⁢ positive for E. coli O157.

E. coli infections can lead‍ to severe symptoms such as intense stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, ⁢and vomiting. These symptoms typically⁤ manifest three or ‍four days after‌ ingestion of the⁢ bacteria. While most people recover without treatment within a week, some⁢ may develop serious kidney‍ complications and require hospitalization.

In a statement released to CNN, Wolverine Packing, based‍ in Detroit, confirmed⁣ that they are working closely with the Food Safety and Inspection Service. ⁢They have also informed all customers who ⁢received the​ recalled products.

“We are currently conducting a ⁣thorough internal audit to review our suppliers and processes, including stringent quality control measures, to uphold the highest standards of production,” the statement read. “As a third-generation,⁣ family-owned and operated company that has been in ‍business for almost 90 years, ‌we are deeply committed to‌ ensuring food and consumer safety. This remains⁢ our top priority.”