The Whole Foods ground beef recall has stirred immediate consumer concern following a public health alert issued for possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The warning, dated June 3, 2025, involves vacuum-sealed 1-pound packs of Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef (85% Lean, 15% Fat) with “Use or Freeze By” dates of June 19 and 20, 2025. Although the product is no longer for sale in stores, it’s suspected to still be in consumer homes. The recall is a precautionary step to prevent serious foodborne illness. No illnesses have been reported as of now, but the risk remains due to the presence of E. coli—a bacterium that can lead to life-threatening complications if consumed in undercooked or raw meat.
What We Know About the Whole Foods Ground Beef Recall
This Whole Foods ground beef recall stems from internal testing that detected the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in a specific production batch. The product was processed in late May 2025 and carries the establishment number “EST. 4027.” While formal recall procedures weren’t triggered since the beef is no longer on retail shelves, officials released a public health alert to catch any remaining units in homes.
Product Summary Table:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Organic Rancher |
| Product | Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean / 15% Fat |
| Package Size | 1-pound vacuum-sealed |
| Use or Freeze By Dates | June 19, 2025 & June 20, 2025 |
| Produced On | May 22 & May 23, 2025 |
| USDA Establishment Number | EST. 4027 |
| Availability | No longer in stores; may be in homes |
Consumers who recently purchased ground beef from Whole Foods should immediately inspect packaging details and dispose of any affected products. Proper handling and awareness are critical, as even small exposures can cause severe consequences.
Understanding the Risks of E. Coli in Ground Beef
E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens. It typically causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. In some individuals—especially children under 5 and older adults—it can escalate to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can become life-threatening.
Common symptoms to watch for after consumption include:
- Sudden stomach cramps
- Fever and nausea
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Decreased urination or pale skin (indicating HUS)
Symptoms usually begin 2 to 8 days after consuming contaminated food. If you or someone in your household shows these signs and recently ate ground beef, seek immediate medical attention.
What To Do If You Have the Product at Home
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what consumers should do:
- Inspect packaging: Look for the dates June 19 or June 20, 2025, and check for “EST. 4027.”
- Do not taste test: Never try to confirm food safety by tasting. Even a small amount can be dangerous.
- Throw it out or return it: Either discard the product safely or return it to the store.
- Clean thoroughly: Wash hands, utensils, countertops, and anything the beef may have touched using hot, soapy water.
- Cook safely: For future reference, always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (use a meat thermometer).
While the Whole Foods ground beef recall doesn’t include a retail hold, the health alert ensures that consumers who shop there take immediate precautions.
Ground Beef Safety Tips Going Forward
This event is a reminder that ground beef, though a household staple, requires strict handling practices. Below are safety tips to prevent foodborne illness in general:
- Keep meat cold: Refrigerate or freeze immediately after purchase.
- Separate raw from cooked: Never allow raw beef to come in contact with cooked or ready-to-eat items.
- Use meat thermometers: Always check that internal temperatures reach 160°F.
- Don’t rely on color: Ground beef may turn brown before reaching a safe temperature.
- Wash hands after handling: Scrub for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap.
As this Whole Foods ground beef recall unfolds, staying alert and informed could make a critical difference for your health and your family’s safety.
Final Thoughts
Food recalls are never taken lightly, especially when they involve a retailer as trusted as Whole Foods. While the store acted quickly and the product is no longer being sold, this situation highlights the importance of consumer awareness. Contamination with E. coli O157:H7 can have dire health implications, and early action is key.
If you bought ground beef recently, double-check your refrigerator or freezer. If you find a match with the affected batch, don’t take any risks—dispose of it properly or bring it back to the store. Keep your kitchen safe, your family protected, and stay tuned for any further developments.
Check your fridge today. Take action now to prevent potential illness.