WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for Organic Rancher ground beef products sold at Whole Foods Market stores across the country. The alert was issued due to potential contamination with E. coli bacteria.
Although no official recall has been announced, FSIS warns that some consumers may still have the product in their refrigerators or freezers. The affected beef has already been removed from store shelves.
Details of the Affected Product
The product under alert is labeled as:
Name: Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% lean, 15% fat
Package size: 1-pound vacuum-sealed packages
Use or Freeze By Dates: June 19, 2025, and June 20, 2025
Establishment Number: EST. 4027 (found inside the USDA inspection mark on the front label)
The ground beef was sold at Whole Foods stores nationwide between May 26 and June 3. It was distributed through suppliers in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.
According to the Organic Rancher website, affected states include:
Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The contaminated ground beef may carry a harmful strain of E. coli that can cause serious illness. Common symptoms include:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
Symptoms typically appear a few days after consuming the contaminated food. While most healthy adults recover within a week, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for complications. Anyone experiencing severe or prolonged symptoms should seek medical attention.
What Consumers Should Do
FSIS advises consumers not to eat the affected ground beef. Instead, dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
The issue came to light after Whole Foods reported to FSIS that some ground beef had tested positive for E. coli contamination.
For more food safety information, visit www.fsis.usda.gov.
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