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Michigan-based Wolverine Packing Company announced a recall of over 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination on Thursday, November 21st. The affected products were distributed to restaurants across the United States and have “use by” dates of November 14 or production dates of October 22. This recall follows reports of 15 illnesses in Minnesota linked to the contaminated meat, with symptoms appearing between November 2 and November 10.
The contamination was first detected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which alerted the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on November 13th. A sample of ground beef tested positive for E. coli O157, a strain known to cause severe health issues. The FSIS has urged restaurants to discard or return any recalled products and advised consumers not to consume the potentially harmful meat.
Wolverine Packing Company, in a statement, said “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.” They continued, “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.”
E.coli infections typically manifest symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting within three to four days of exposure. While most cases resolve within a week, severe infections can lead to complications, including kidney failure, which may require hospitalization. Health officials emphasize the importance of cooking ground beef thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to minimize the risk of infection.
This recall underscores ongoing challenges in food safety as E. coli outbreaks continue to pose public health risks. In addition to this incident, recalls have recently been issued for contaminated carrots and onions, further highlighting vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. FSIS has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and mitigating these risks to protect consumers.
Public health authorities have called for increased vigilance among restaurants and consumers to ensure food safety. FSIS is working closely with state agencies to trace the origins of the contamination and prevent further incidents. Local communities are also being urged to report any additional cases of illness potentially linked to the contaminated beef.
The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety protocols and the swift action required to address potential health threats. Consumers and food industry stakeholders are encouraged to remain informed and proactive in preventing further E. coli outbreaks.
