Urgent Recall for Ground Beef in Alabama: E. Coli Concerns Prompt

Alabama residents, we’ve got an urgent recall to share—Wolverine Packing Co. is pulling 167,277 pounds of ground beef off the shelves due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness.

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If you’ve recently bought ground beef from restaurants or retailers, especially around Alabama, you’ll want to read the details below and check your freezer.

What’s Being Recalled?

The ground beef products involved in this recall include both fresh and frozen varieties:

• Fresh products: Have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024.
• Frozen products: Bear a production date of 10/22/2024.

Look for the USDA mark of inspection with establishment number “EST. 2574B”. These products were mostly distributed to restaurants nationwide, but it’s always good to double-check if you’ve purchased any from a local supplier.

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How Was the Contamination Discovered?

The recall was prompted after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture linked a group of illnesses to ground beef from Wolverine Packing Co. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 as part of an ongoing investigation. To date, 15 people in one state have fallen ill after consuming the affected ground beef.

Why Should You Care?

E. coli O157:H7 can cause serious foodborne illness in people. Symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal cramps
• Bloody diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Vomiting

In some cases, the bacteria can lead to kidney failure, especially in children under 5 and older adults. Most people recover in about a week, but if symptoms worsen or you suspect kidney failure (signs include easy bruising, pale skin, and reduced urine output), seek emergency medical care immediately.

What Should You Do?

If you’ve purchased any of the affected ground beef, whether from a restaurant, grocery store, or elsewhere, do not consume it. Here’s what you should do:

• Check your freezer and fridge for any beef with the USDA mark of inspection “EST. 2574B.”
• Dispose of the recalled beef or return it to the point of purchase for a refund.

Safe Cooking Reminder

To kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. The only way to be sure is to use a food thermometer—a must-have tool in every kitchen!

For cooking tips and temperature guidelines, visit the USDA Safe Cooking Chart.

More Information

If you have questions about the recall or suspect you may have purchased affected ground beef, you can contact the company at 248-762-1533. For food safety inquiries, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-674-6854.

Stay informed and keep your kitchen safe! You can also read the full FDA recall notice here.