Ground beef recalled after 19 sickened in Minnesota

At least 19 people in Minnesota have fallen ill from E. coli poisoning linked to ground beef distributed by Wolverine Packing Co., which recently recalled over 167,000 pounds of potentially contaminated meat. The Detroit-based company issued the recall after Minnesota health officials detected E. coli O157:H7 in samples of ground beef and reported multiple illnesses.

The contaminated meat was distributed to restaurants nationwide, and cases in Minnesota have been traced to hamburgers served at Red Cow restaurants in Minneapolis and Rochester, as well as Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis. Illnesses occurred between Nov. 2 and Nov. 14, with four individuals requiring hospitalization. Two of these cases developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that can cause kidney failure.

What to know about E. coli

E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the environment, food, and the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, certain types, including E. coli O157:H7, can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms usually appear within days of consuming contaminated food and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and signs of dehydration.

Those at highest risk of severe complications include children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant or post-partum individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Young children, in particular, require immediate medical attention if symptoms of E. coli poisoning occur.

National recall and investigation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that no illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Wolverine Packing Co. has advised restaurants nationwide to cease using the affected meat, which was primarily sent to food service establishments.

The ongoing investigation by health officials aims to identify the full scope of the outbreak. Restaurants and suppliers are urged to review their inventory and comply with recall procedures to prevent further illnesses.

Protecting yourself from E. coli

To reduce the risk of E. coli infection:

• Cook ground beef thoroughly: Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
• Check for recalls: Stay informed about food recalls by monitoring government and industry alerts.
• Seek medical attention promptly: If you suspect E. coli infection, especially in children or vulnerable adults, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

The Source
Information sourced from the Associated Press and official updates from the Minnesota Department of Health.