The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on June 4, 2025, concerning certain raw ground beef products sold at Whole Foods Market amid concerns of potential E. coli contamination. The alert centers on Organic Rancher organic ground beef, specifically 1-pound vacuum-packed packages labeled as 85% lean and 15% fat. These packages bear use- or freeze-by dates of June 19 or June 20, 2025, and carry the establishment number Est. 4027 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The affected ground beef was manufactured by Vermont-based NPC Processing on May 22 and May 23, 2025, and distributed to Whole Foods Market retail locations nationwide. The products were shipped through distributor locations in states including Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland before reaching stores in 27 states and the District of Columbia. These states encompass Alabama, Connecticut, 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.
While the ground beef is no longer available for purchase in stores, FSIS expressed concern that consumers may still have some packages stored in their refrigerators or freezers. The agency strongly advised against consuming these products and urged consumers to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange.
According to FSIS, there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses linked to these products as of the alert date. However, the agency cautioned that individuals who experience symptoms consistent with E. coli infection should seek medical attention promptly. Symptoms of E. coli exposure typically include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps occurring two to eight days after ingestion, with an average onset of three to four days. While most people recover within a week, some, particularly children under five years old and older adults, may develop a severe complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and even death. Symptoms of HUS include easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output.
In response to the situation, Organic Rancher released a statement emphasizing their commitment to customer safety. The company confirmed that the root cause of the contamination has been identified and immediate corrective actions have been implemented to safeguard the integrity of their brand. They reassured the public that the impacted products are no longer available for sale and clarified that products with different use- or freeze-by dates, as well as those sold in states not listed in the alert, are unaffected and safe to consume.
FSIS also stressed the importance of proper cooking practices to eliminate harmful bacteria in ground beef. The agency reminded consumers that cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is the only reliable method to ensure safety. They recommended using a food thermometer to verify that this temperature has been reached, as visual cues alone are insufficient.
For consumers with questions or concerns related to the public health alert, FSIS provided several contact options. NPC Processing, Inc. can be reached at (802) 660-0496 or via email at [email protected]. Additionally, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available toll-free at (888) 674-6854 or by email at [email protected]. Consumers wishing to report issues with meat, poultry, or egg products may use the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at www.foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF.
In Iowa, where the only Whole Foods location is in West Des Moines at 4100 University Avenue, customers were among those affected by the alert. The store had sold the Organic Rancher ground beef products before they were removed from shelves following the positive E. coli test result.
This public health alert, while not a recall since the product is no longer available in stores, serves as a critical reminder of the risks posed by foodborne pathogens and the importance of vigilant food safety practices. E. coli contamination in ground beef is a serious concern due to the potential severity of illness it can cause, especially among vulnerable populations.
Consumers are urged to check their home freezers for the specified Organic Rancher ground beef packages and to handle any remaining products with caution. Discarding or returning the product is the safest course of action to prevent possible exposure. Meanwhile, the collaboration between USDA, NPC Processing, Organic Rancher, and Whole Foods Market highlights the ongoing efforts within the food industry to swiftly address contamination issues and protect public health.
