Federal officials announced Wednesday that more than 167,000 pounds of ground meat shipped to restaurants across the country will be recalled by a Michigan meat packing company over possible E. coli contamination.
At least 15 cases of bacteria linked to Wolverine Packing have been reported in Minnesota this month. There is growing concern that contaminated food may be in refrigerators and freezers at restaurants across the country, according to the USDA's Food Safety Service. Inspection Service (FSIS).
Consumer illnesses were recorded between November 2nd and November 10th.
“This issue was discovered after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture notified FSIS of a group of sick individuals who reported ingesting ground meat prior to becoming ill,” the federal agency said.
After authorities became aware of a consumer with symptoms on Nov. 13, an investigation quickly found a link between Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Company's ground meat products and E. coli contamination. did.
A sample of ground beef taken by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the company on Wednesday tested positive for the potentially deadly bacteria, officials said.
Symptoms of E. coli include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can occur several days after exposure.
Restaurants must discard products with a “use by date” of November 14, 2024 and frozen products with a manufacturing date of October 22, 2024.
In all, 167,277 pounds of ground beef was recalled.
“FSIS is concerned that some products may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers,” the agency said. “Restaurants are asked not to serve these items. These products must be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
Wolverine Packing Co. was founded in 1937 and is now in its third generation of family ownership with more than 900 employees, according to its website.
The company said in a statement that it is investigating the possible contamination and is working with FSIS.
“We also conduct intensive internal audits to thoroughly review our suppliers and implementation processes, including strict quality control measures, to ensure we maintain the highest production standards,” it told the newspaper.
“As a third-generation, family-owned company for nearly 90 years, we are committed to food and consumer safety. That is our top priority.”
Earlier this week, consumers were advised to chuck whole and baby carrots sold at some of the nation's largest supermarkets, including Trader Joe's, because they may be contaminated with E. coli, which produces Shiga toxin. was recommended.
Grimway Farms has issued a recall after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that its organic carrots may be linked to an outbreak that killed one person and sickened nearly 40 others. .
Federal officials say McDonald's has also faced recent E. coli problems, with cases linked to onions in its fast-food Quarter Pounder burgers detected in 14 states.
