Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit-based meat processing company, is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli O157. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement following an outbreak linked to ground beef that sickened 15 people in Minnesota earlier this month.
The recalled products were distributed to restaurants nationwide and bear the establishment number "EST. 2574B" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Affected items include fresh products with a "use by" date of November 14 and frozen items produced on October 22. FSIS has urged restaurants to discard or return the products and refrain from serving them to customers.
The issue came to light after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported illnesses connected to the consumption of ground beef. Symptoms among affected individuals began between November 2 and November 10. On November 20, a ground beef sample tested positive for E. coli O157, confirming the contamination.
E. coli O157 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Most infected individuals recover within a week, but some, particularly young children and older adults, can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition marked by reduced urine output, pallor, and easy bruising. Those experiencing such symptoms are urged to seek emergency medical attention.
In a statement to CNN, Wolverine Packing Co. said it is collaborating closely with the USDA and FSIS during the investigation and has informed all customers who received the contaminated products. "We are also conducting an intensive internal audit to fully review suppliers and processes in place, including rigorous quality control measures, to maintain the highest standards of production," the company said. "As a third-generation, family-owned and operated company in business for nearly 90 years, we are committed to food and consumer safety. That is our highest priority."
This isn't Wolverine Packing Co.'s first encounter with E. coli-related recalls. In 2014, the company recalled 1.8 million pounds of ground beef following an outbreak that affected 11 individuals across four states.
The FSIS expressed concerns that some contaminated products may still be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers, emphasizing the importance of returning or discarding the items immediately. The agency also urged anyone concerned about a possible illness to contact a healthcare provider.
The Wolverine Packing Co. website highlights the company's long history in the meat processing industry, which began in 1937 as a lamb and veal processor. Today, it stocks over 250 brands and 4,000 protein products, including meat and seafood. The company's headquarters is located in Detroit's Eastern Market area.
Foodborne illnesses like E. coli outbreaks can have severe public health implications. While the company's statement underscores its commitment to safety, the latest recall adds to growing concerns about food safety in large-scale meat processing operations. Investigations into the source of the contamination and the company's processes are ongoing.
The FSIS has reminded consumers and businesses about the importance of proper food handling and preparation to minimize risks. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria. Additionally, surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw meat should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
