The USDA has issued a warning about a nationwide ground beef recall, just in time for Thanksgiving. Wolverine Packing Co. is recalling over 167,000 pounds of ground beef as a precautionary measure, due to concerns of potential E. coli contamination.
Fifteen individuals in Minnesota have reported illness so far from the outbreak, but it’s important to note that this recall extends nationwide. Here’s what we currently know about the situation.
What to Know About the Outbreak:
According to CNN, individuals in Minnesota have been falling ill between November 2 and November 10, as confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service on Wednesday. The affected products include fresh items with a use-by date of November 14 and frozen products with a production date of October 22. These products can be identified by the establishment number EST. 2574B in the USDA mark of inspection.
The FSIS has expressed concern about the nationwide distribution of the meat and the possibility that some of it may still be stored in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. If you come across any of the product, it is crucial to discard it or return it promptly. Consumption of the meat should be avoided at all costs.
Symptoms of E. Coli typically appear within three to four days after being exposed to the bacteria and usually resolve within a week.
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- Diarrhea, often bloody, that lasts more than two days
- Vomiting
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Fever higher than 102°F
- Signs of dehydration, such as little or no urination, dark urine, dry mouth or throat, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), such as little or no urination, loss of pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots, blood in urine, feeling very tired or being irritable, and decreased awareness