USDA Issues Health Alert for Organic Ground Beef Due to Potential E. Coli Contamination

Ground Beef Distributed Nationally, Including to Whole Foods

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert regarding a specific batch of ground beef that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. According to the alert, the potentially contaminated product was distributed nationwide, including to Whole Foods stores across the country.

The product in question is labeled as “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT” and comes in one-pound, vacuum-sealed packages. The ground beef was produced on May 22 and May 23, 2025, and the packaging bears the following important dates and identifying information:

Use or Freeze By 06-19-25
Use or Freeze By 06-20-25
USDA inspection mark: “EST. 4027”

Consumers who have purchased ground beef matching these details are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and take appropriate precautions.

What You Need to Know About the E. Coli Risk

While no confirmed cases of illness have been reported so far, the USDA is acting out of an abundance of caution due to the presence of E. coli, a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness in some individuals.

E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of bacteria that can lead to severe foodborne illness, particularly in vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically appear within three to four days after consumption and can include:

Dehydration
Bloody diarrhea
Abdominal cramping

In most cases, people recover from the infection within a week without needing specialized medical treatment. However, certain individuals, especially young children under 5 years old and older adults, are at higher risk of developing a life-threatening complication known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?

HUS is a serious condition that occurs when an E. coli infection causes damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This leads to kidney failure and other systemic complications. The condition is rare but can be deadly if not treated promptly.

Warning signs of HUS include:

Pallor (pale skin)
Easy or unexplained bruising
Decreased or no urine output

The USDA advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms seek emergency medical attention immediately.

No Recall, But a Public Health Alert Issued

Although the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has not issued a formal recall, the public health alert serves to inform consumers and retailers about the potential hazard. The decision not to issue a recall may be due to the limited volume of the product or the fact that it may no longer be available in stores.

Nevertheless, the agency is encouraging consumers to remain vigilant and either dispose of or return the product to the place of purchase if they suspect they have purchased the affected beef.

Safety Tips for Handling Ground Beef

To minimize the risk of E. coli infection and other foodborne illnesses, the USDA recommends following safe food handling and cooking practices:

Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a food thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw meat.
Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume them within a few days.

These steps can help protect you and your family from harmful pathogens, even if the meat was contaminated prior to purchase.

Distribution Channels Include Whole Foods

The alert specifically mentions that the potentially contaminated ground beef was distributed to Whole Foods Market locations, although the USDA did not provide a complete list of retailers or states affected. Given the national reach of Whole Foods and the broad distribution of the product, consumers across the country are advised to be cautious.

Whole Foods has not yet issued its own statement regarding the alert, but stores are expected to respond in coordination with USDA guidance.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have purchased ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT with the matching production dates and USDA inspection mark (EST. 4027), take the following steps:

Do not consume the meat.
Check your freezer if you’ve stored the product for later use.
Dispose of the meat safely or return it to the store for a refund, depending on the store’s policy.
If you or someone in your household has eaten the beef and begins to show symptoms of E. coli infection, seek medical advice immediately, particularly if symptoms are severe or involve children or the elderly.

USDA’s Continuing Efforts

The USDA and FSIS continue to monitor the situation and may issue further updates if additional information becomes available. The agency is also conducting a thorough investigation to determine how the contamination occurred and whether any additional products are affected.

In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to stay informed by checking official USDA updates or contacting the FSIS consumer hotline with any questions or concerns.