WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for Organic Rancher brand ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli. The meat was sold at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide.
Although the product has already been removed from store shelves, FSIS is warning consumers because the ground beef may still be in home refrigerators or freezers. No official recall has been issued.
Health Risks from E. Coli
The alert concerns a strain of E. coli bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness. Symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. These typically appear a few days after eating contaminated food.
While most healthy adults recover within a week, some people are at higher risk of complications. These include young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. Anyone experiencing prolonged or severe symptoms is advised to seek medical attention.
Product Details
The affected ground beef was sold at Whole Foods locations between May 26 and June 3. Consumers should check their packages for the following identifying details:
Product Name: Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% lean / 15% fat
Packaging: 1-pound vacuum-sealed packages
Use or Freeze By Dates: June 19, 2025, and June 20, 2025
Establishment Number: “EST. 4027” inside the USDA inspection mark on the label
Distribution Information
According to Organic Rancher’s website, the beef was sent to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland, and then shipped to Whole Foods Market stores in 26 states and the District of Columbia. The affected states are:
Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The contamination was discovered when Whole Foods informed FSIS that some of the ground beef had tested positive for E. coli.
What to Do
Consumers who purchased the product should not consume it. FSIS advises discarding the meat or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund.
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