Agriculture Dept announces recall of 167K pounds of ground beef over possible E. coli contamination

The Untied States' Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced that a Michigan-based company is recalling over 167,000 pounds of ground beef because of a possible E. coli contamination.

The possible contamination occurred in products shipped to restaurants nationwide, and fresh products have a use by date of November 14. Frozen packages have a production date of October 22, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

At least 15 people in Minnesota have confirmed cases of the virus so far, with illnesses beginning between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10. It is not clear if the affected people were hospitalized over the illness.

Detroit-based Wolverine Packing told CNN in a statement that all recipients of the affected meat have been notified of the recall, but all impacted products should be thrown away or returned and should not be eaten.

“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.”

Consumers are encouraged to call their doctors if they have severe E. coli symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than three days, signs of dehydration, or if they cannot keep liquids down.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.