In a significant food safety development this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert concerning ground beef sold at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide. The alert, which has quickly become a trending topic under the key phrase “whole foods ground beef recall,” centers on the potential contamination of certain Organic Rancher ground beef products with E. coli O157:H7—a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness.
Why the Whole Foods Ground Beef Recall Alert Was Issued
On June 4, 2025, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that one-pound vacuum-sealed packages of Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef, labeled 85% lean and 15% fat, may be contaminated with E. coli. These packages were produced on May 22 and May 23, 2025, and display “Use or Freeze By” dates of June 19 and June 20, 2025. The establishment number “EST. 4027” is printed within the USDA inspection mark on the packaging.
Although the affected ground beef is no longer available for sale at Whole Foods stores, the FSIS did not initiate a formal recall. Instead, a public health alert was issued because the product may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The alert applies to products distributed to Whole Foods Market retail locations across more than 25 states, as well as distributor centers in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.
How the Contamination Was Discovered
The issue came to light when Organic Rancher notified the FSIS that routine testing had detected E. coli O157:H7 in their ground beef. This strain of E. coli can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and while most healthy adults recover within a week, young children and older adults are at higher risk for developing serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—a potentially life-threatening kidney condition.
So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the contaminated ground beef. However, the FSIS and Whole Foods are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected product and to avoid consuming it under any circumstances.
How to Identify the Affected Ground Beef
If you purchased ground beef from Whole Foods recently, here’s how to determine if you have the product in question:
- Brand: Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef
- Package Size: 1-pound, vacuum-sealed
- Lean/Fat Ratio: 85% lean, 15% fat
- Production Dates: May 22 and May 23, 2025
- Use or Freeze By Dates: June 19 and June 20, 2025
- Establishment Number: EST. 4027 (within the USDA mark of inspection)
If your package matches all of these details, it is part of the group identified in the whole foods ground beef recall alert.
What to Do if You Have the Product
The FSIS has made its recommendations clear:
- Do not consume the ground beef.
- Throw it away immediately, or return it to the place of purchase.
- If you have already consumed the product and experience symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), or vomiting, seek medical attention promptly.
Understanding the Risks of E. Coli in Ground Beef
E. coli O157:H7 is a particularly dangerous strain of bacteria. While most foodborne illnesses result in mild to moderate symptoms, this specific type of E. coli can lead to severe health complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure and can last up to a week. In rare cases, particularly among children under five and older adults, infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which requires immediate medical care.
Why Wasn’t There an Official Recall?
A key detail in this whole foods ground beef recall situation is that the FSIS opted for a public health alert rather than a recall. This decision was made because the product is no longer available on store shelves. However, the concern remains that some consumers may still have the affected ground beef at home, which is why the alert has been widely publicized.
Food Safety Tips for Consumers
To protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses, always follow these ground beef safety tips:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Store ground beef in the refrigerator (at or below 40°F/4°C) or freezer (at or below 0°F/-18°C).
- Never consume ground beef past its expiration or “use by” date.
Summary Table: Key Details of the Whole Foods Ground Beef Recall Alert
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef |
| Size | 1-pound, vacuum-sealed |
| Lean/Fat Ratio | 85% lean, 15% fat |
| Production Dates | May 22 and May 23, 2025 |
| Use/Freeze By Dates | June 19 and June 20, 2025 |
| Establishment Number | EST. 4027 |
| Status | No longer in stores; may be in homes |
| Action | Do not consume; discard or return |
Staying Informed and Safe
The whole foods ground beef recall alert is a reminder of the importance of staying informed about food safety issues. Even if a product is no longer on store shelves, it can still pose a risk if it remains in consumers’ homes. By checking your refrigerator and freezer for the affected ground beef and following the FSIS’s guidance, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.
If you’re unsure about any ground beef you have purchased from Whole Foods, err on the side of caution and dispose of it. For ongoing updates, monitor official USDA and Whole Foods communications, and always prioritize food safety in your kitchen.
If you have the affected ground beef in your home, discard it or return it to the store immediately. Share this information with friends and family to help keep your community safe.