ALABAMA (WHNT) — Ground beef products sold in Whole Foods Market retail locations could possibly be contaminated with E. Coli.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, a ‘high alert’ has been issued for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli. “FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase,” the USDA said.
The raw ground beef item was produced on May 22 and May 23.
Below is a picture of the ground beef product placed under a public health alert:
The product has the establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This item was shipped to distributor locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland and was then distributed to Whole Foods Market retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that they had shipped into commerce ground beef product that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness because of the consumption of these ground beef products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
“E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age, but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately,” the USDA said.
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