ILLINOIS — A public health alert has been issued for certain packages of ground beef sold at Whole Foods Market locations — including in Illinois — due to possible E. coli contamination, federal food safety officials announced this week.
Which Product Is Affected?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the alert covers:
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Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat
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1-pound vacuum-sealed packages
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“Use or Freeze By” dates of June 19, 2025 and June 20, 2025
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Packaging labeled with Establishment number EST. 4027 inside the USDA inspection mark
The affected ground beef products were produced on May 22 and 23 before being shipped to distributors in Illinois, Maryland, Georgia, and Connecticut, and then widely distributed to Whole Foods Market stores across the country.
Why No Recall Was Issued
A recall was not formally issued because the products are no longer available for purchase, according to FSIS. However, the agency warns that some packages may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
Consumers are urged to either discard the meat or return it to the place of purchase.
E. Coli Symptoms and Health Risk
As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the ground beef. Still, FSIS advises that anyone experiencing potential symptoms of E. coli exposure — such as:
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Abdominal cramps
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Bloody diarrhea
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Decreased urination
…should seek medical attention immediately.
E. Coli Can Be Dangerous
E. coli is a dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness, especially in children under 5 and older adults. It can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that damages the kidneys and requires urgent care.
How To Stay Safe
FSIS recommends the following safety tips to reduce risk:
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Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F
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Use a food thermometer to verify temperature
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Avoid cross-contamination by washing surfaces and hands after handling raw meat
You can find additional safety guidelines on the FSIS official website.
Have you recently purchased Organic Rancher ground beef in Illinois? Check your freezer and let us know if your package matches the alert. Drop a comment below or tag us at @ChicagoSuburbanFamily with your food safety concerns.
