A public health alert has been issued for Organic Rancher ground beef sold at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide, due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7—a dangerous strain of bacteria that can cause serious illness or even death in vulnerable individuals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warns that although the product is no longer being sold, consumers may still have it stored in their refrigerators or freezers. The affected beef was produced on May 22 and 23, 2025, and is labeled with use-by or freeze-by dates of June 19 and 20, 2025. It comes in 1-pound vacuum-sealed packages marked “Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat” and bears the USDA inspection number EST. 4027.”
While no illnesses have been reported yet, the threat is serious, especially for those most at risk. E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal cramps. But in some cases, particularly in children under five and adults over 65, the infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure marked by reduced urination, fatigue, and bruising. This condition requires immediate medical care and can be life-threatening.
Families with young children, elderly loved ones, or individuals with weakened immune systems should exercise extra caution. If you have purchased this product, do not consume it. Dispose of it immediately and sanitize any surfaces it may have come into contact with.
E. coli may be invisible, but the danger is real. When it comes to food safety, especially with ground beef, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
