The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:SevereUSDA FSIS·030-2014·Announced 2014-05-19

Wolverine Packing Recalls Ground Beef Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7

Wolverine Packing Company is recalling approximately 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The agency classified this recall as Class I — a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. On that classification alone this is scored Severe; a score of Critical is reserved for recalls where a death or serious injury was reported. The agency gives the reason as: "Product Contamination"

Plain-English summary

Wolverine Packing Company, a Detroit, Michigan establishment, is recalling approximately 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products were produced between March 31, 2014, and April 18, 2014, and bear the establishment number iEST. 2574B. They were shipped to distributors for restaurant and retail use nationwide, with no distribution to the Department of Defense, the National School Lunch Program, or catalog/internet sales.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was notified of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses on May 8, 2014. Working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FSIS determined a link between the ground beef products and an illness cluster. Eleven case-patients have been identified in four states with illness onset dates ranging from April 22, 2014, to May 2, 2014.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some individuals may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. Consumers should cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160° F to ensure harmful bacteria are killed.

The recalled product

Product
Michigan Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7
Brand
Wolverine Packing Co.
Manufacturer
Wolverine Packing Co.
Category
Food — Ground Beef
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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