More than 167,000 pounds of ground beef destined for use in restaurants has been recalled by processor Wolverine Packing of Detroit because of indications that it’s been contaminated with the potentially deadly form of E. coli.
The pathogen was detected after 15 people in a confined geographic area showed symptoms of having ingested the pathogen. All were located within Michigan, and all were sickened between Nov. 2-10.
The meat carries a “Use By” date of Nov. 14. But the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has aired concerns that the beef may be sitting in the freezers or coolers of unsuspecting restaurants.
The meat bears the establishment identification number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA’s inspection marker.
Distributors that may have handled the meat were not identified by the authorities or Wolverine.
The recall follows a high-profile E. coli outbreak several weeks ago that involved McDonald’s. Authorities concluded that the point of contamination was likely the slivered yellow onions used atop the burger giant’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches in 14 states. The onions were supplied by Taylor Farms from a facility in Denver.
To date, 104 persons have reported being sickened by the McDonald’s contamination. Thirty-four of the victims were hospitalized, and one died.
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