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Curious why a staggering amount of ground beef was recalled? Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recently pulled 167,000 pounds of ground beef from shelves. This alarming recall has piqued the interest of many consumers, who wish to learn why the company has done the recall. Was the ground beef contaminated by dangerous bacteria?
Here’s a detailed look into the recall and its implications.
Here’s why 167,000 pounds of ground beef was recalled
Wolverine Packing Co. recalled 167,000 pounds of ground beef as they were likely contaminated by E. coli.
This was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The issue was initially reported to FSIS by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which informed them that a group of individuals affected by the outbreak had consumed ground beef. The impacted products display the establishment number “EST. 2574B,” which can be found in the USDA Mark of Inspection.
The recalled fresh products have a “use by” date of November 14, 2024, while the frozen products were produced on October 10, 2024.
For the unversed, E. coli is a harmful bacterium that can lead to serious health issues, including dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically last from 2 to 8 days, with an average duration of 3 to 4 days. While many individuals recover within a week, some may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can result in kidney failure. HUS can affect anyone, but it is most commonly seen in children aged 5 and under, as well as older adults.
The USDA has advised anyone who is experiencing illness after consuming ground beef to contact their healthcare provider. Additionally, the FSIS has recommended that restaurants check their freezers and refrigerators for potentially contaminated ground beef. Restaurants are urged not to serve contaminated products and to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.
Furthermore, FSIS has also requested consumers to ensure the safe preparation of raw meat products, whether it be fresh or frozen. Additionally, consumers have been urged to only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 Fahrenheit.