More than 167,000 pounds of ground beef shipped to restaurants nationwide are being recalled by a Michigan meatpacking company over concerns of possible E. coli contamination, federal officials said Wednesday.
At least 15 cases of the bacteria have been reported in Minnesota this month that link back to Wolverine Packing Co. — as concerns mount that the contaminated food could be in restaurant fridges and freezers across the country, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The illnesses among consumers were documented between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10.
“The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness,” the federal agency said.
After officials became aware of the sick consumers on Nov. 13, an investigation quickly determined there was a connection between ground beef products at Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, and the E. coli contamination.
A ground beef sample taken at the company by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on Wednesday tested positive for the bacteria, which can be deadly, officials said.
Symptoms of E. coli include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps that can happen days after exposure.
Restaurants should toss products with a “used by” date of Nov. 14, 2024, and frozen products with production dates of Oct. 22, 2024.
Overall, 167,277 pounds of ground beef have been recalled.
“FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers,” the agency stated. “Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
Wolverine Packing Co. first opened in 1937 and is now in the third generation of family ownership with more than 900 employees, according to its website.
The company said in a statement it is working with FSIS during an investigation into the possible contamination.
“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,” it told The Post.
“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.”
Earlier this week, consumers were advised to chuck whole and baby carrots sold at some of the country’s largest supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s, because the veggies might have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.
Grimmway Farms issued the recall after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned its organic carrots could be tied to an outbreak that has killed one and sickened almost 40.
McDonald’s has also faced a recent E. coli problem after cases were detected in 14 states due to the onions served on the fast food’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to federal officials.