Thanksgiving is just around the corner, meaning you’re probably stocking up on a lot of ingredients at the supermarket. But be warned: There’s a big recall right now on ground beef, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).
If you have ground beef at home, it’s understandable to be wary. But this recall is slightly different from other ones we’ve seen lately. Here’s what’s behind the latest ground beef recall, plus how to stay safe.
Why is ground beef recalled?
Wolverine Packing Co. has recalled more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef across the country over possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled beef is linked to at least 15 illnesses, per FSIS.
In case you’re not familiar with it, Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a type of bacteria that’s commonly found in the intestines of people and animals, per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most forms of E.coli are harmless, but some can make you sick—and even be deadly.
Unfortunately, E. coli O157:H7 is dangerous. This recall is categorized as class 1, meaning there is a “reasonable probability” that eating the beef “will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death,” according to the USDA.
The issue was first detected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture after the agency learned that a group of people in the state became sick after eating ground beef, according to FSIS. The beef was sampled and came back positive for first E. coli O157:H7.
What brand of ground beef products is recalled?
The recalled beef products were sold under a slew of names, including Wolverine Packing Co. and Davis Creek Meats. The FSIS has a full list of recalled products and product labels online.
Where was the recalled ground beef sold?
The beef was sold to restaurants around the country, so it’s unlikely that you would have this at home. In Minnesota, the beef was shipped to several Red Cow locations and the Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis, per NBC affiliate KARE 11.
Restaurants that purchased the recalled beef are being asked to throw the items away or return them to the seller.
What are the symptoms of E. coli infection?
E.coli infection can cause a range of symptoms, but it usually impacts the GI system. According to Cleveland Clinic, those include:
- Diarrhea that’s usually watery and sometimes bloody
- Stomach pains and cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Low fever
Most people recover from an E.coli infection within a week, but some develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), FSIS warns.
Is it safe to eat ground beef?
Restaurants should do their due diligence and stop using these recalled beef products. So in general, you’re probably okay to keep eating ground beef—especially the kind you buy at the store.
However, FSIS notes that it’s safest to only eat ground beef that’s been cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
