Ground beef recall prompts a public health alert from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Ground beef sold under the Organic Rancher brand may be contaminated with E. coli, and it was distributed to Whole Foods locations nationwide.
Which Ground Beef Is Affected?
The product in question is:
- “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT”
- One-pound vacuum-sealed packages
- Labeled with:
- “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25”
- “Use or Freeze By 06-20-25”
- USDA inspection mark: “EST. 4027”
- “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25”
This ground beef recall includes Whole Foods retail stores across the U.S. It was also shipped to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.
What Should You Do?
These items are no longer on store shelves but may still be in home freezers.
Do not eat this beef. The USDA urges consumers to either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
Why Am I Remembering This?
Despite the lack of known illnesses, E. coli can cause:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- abdominal cramps
In some circumstances, a serious kidney illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may develop. It is particularly common in children under five and the elderly.
If symptoms like pallor, bruising, or reduced urine output occur, emergency care is critical.
Whole Foods Ground Beef Recall: What You Need to Know
- Brand: Organic Rancher
- Sold at: Whole Foods (nationwide)
- Product: Ground beef, 85% lean 15% fat
- Dates: Produced on May 22 and 23, 2025
- Labels: Use/Freeze by June 19 and 20, 2025
- Status: Off shelves, may still be in homes
Conclusion
If you’ve recently bought ground beef from Whole Foods, check your freezer now. The ground beef recall is a serious health warning, even though no cases have been reported yet. Be safe—don’t risk it.
Source: CBS News
