Why was ground beef recalled in the US over possible E coli contamination?

Sun Nov 24 13:09:44 UTC 2024: **Minnesota E. coli Outbreak Prompts Nationwide Beef Recall**

**MINNEAPOLIS, MN –** A new E. coli outbreak in Minnesota has resulted in a nationwide recall of nearly 76 tonnes of ground beef, impacting restaurants across the country. At least 19 people in Minnesota have fallen ill, with four requiring hospitalization, including two who developed serious kidney complications, after consuming contaminated hamburgers. The source has been traced to ground beef supplied by Wolverine Packing Co. of Detroit, distributed to restaurants including Red Cow and Hen House Eatery locations in Minnesota. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has urged restaurants to discard affected products with a “used by” date of November 14, 2024, or production dates of October 22, 2024. The investigation is ongoing, but no cases have been reported outside of Minnesota.

This outbreak follows a separate, larger E. coli outbreak linked to chopped onions from Taylor Farms and served at McDonald’s restaurants. That outbreak, affecting 104 people across 14 states, resulted in 34 hospitalizations, four cases of life-threatening kidney disease, and one death. McDonald’s temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from some restaurants as a precaution and is investing $100 million to regain customer trust.

E. coli, a bacterium found in the environment and animal intestines, can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly the strain O157:H7. Contamination can occur during meat processing and in produce through contact with contaminated water or soil. Symptoms typically appear within three to nine days and usually resolve within a week, although severe cases may require hospitalization. Proper cooking to at least 71°C (160°F) kills the bacteria. The FSIS emphasized the importance of proper food handling and hygiene to prevent future outbreaks. Wolverine Packing Co. has initiated an internal audit to improve its processes. Lawsuits have already been filed against McDonald’s related to the earlier onion-linked outbreak.

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