U.S. agriculture authorities have issued a health alert regarding ground beef sold at Whole Foods stores nationwide that may be contaminated with harmful E. coli bacteria.
The alert concerns 1-pound vacuum-sealed packages of Organic Rancher beef produced on May 22 and 23 by NPC Processing Inc., based in Shelburne, Vermont. The products carry use-by dates of June 19 and June 20.
While the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) did not initiate a recall because the products are no longer available for purchase, some packages may still be stored in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
The beef, originally produced in Australia or Uruguay and processed in the U.S., was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland before reaching Whole Foods stores nationwide. The contamination was identified after company officials informed FSIS that certain shipments tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness.
So far, no illnesses linked to this beef have been reported. Consumers who have these products are advised to discard them or return them to the store.
Infections caused by E. coli bacteria can lead to symptoms such as dehydration, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Although most people recover within a week, some cases can become severe and result in a dangerous kidney condition. Young children under 5 and older adults are especially vulnerable.
