In a major public health alert, more than 160,000 pounds of ground beef have been voluntarily recalled across the United States due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous strain of bacteria known to cause serious illness.
The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), triggering concern among consumers and grocery retailers nationwide.
🧾 Recall Details
- Total recalled: 160,000+ pounds
- Product: Ground beef (various packaging sizes)
- Brand names: Multiple store-brand and private-label products
- Production dates: Between April 26 and May 1, 2025
- Establishment number: EST. 46841 (found inside USDA mark of inspection)
- Distribution: Sold to retailers nationwide and distributed across multiple states
🔍 Consumers are urged to check their freezers and discard or return any affected products.
⚠️ What Is E. coli O157:H7?
E. coli O157:H7 is a bacteria that lives in the intestines of animals and humans. While many strains are harmless, this particular strain can lead to:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- In some cases, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) — a potentially fatal kidney condition, especially in children and the elderly
Symptoms usually appear 2–8 days after exposure to the bacteria.
🛑 How the Contamination Was Discovered
According to the FSIS report, routine testing by the establishment flagged potential contamination. No confirmed reports of illness have been linked to the ground beef yet, but the recall was issued out of an abundance of caution.
🥩 What Should Consumers Do?
If you have ground beef in your fridge or freezer:
- Check the label for the establishment number (EST. 46841) and production dates.
- Do not consume any of the recalled products.
- Either:
- Return it to the place of purchase
- Or safely dispose of it
Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
📞 Contact Information
Consumers with questions can contact:
- FSIS Consumer Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
- Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
More details are also available at www.fsis.usda.gov.
📰 Final Thoughts
While no illnesses have been reported yet, food safety experts stress the importance of acting quickly when recalls like this are announced. It’s a reminder to stay alert, check your food labels, and follow proper cooking practices — especially with ground meat products.
🛡️ Stay safe, stay informed, and when in doubt — throw it out.
