The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert warning consumers that ground beef sold at Whole Foods stores nationwide may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially dangerous bacterium.

The affected products are 1-pound, vacuum-packed packages of Organic Rancher organic ground beef, produced by NPC Processing Inc. of Shelburne, Vermont, on May 22 and May 23, 2025.

These packages carry use-by or freeze-by dates of June 19 and June 20, 2025, and bear the establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The contaminated beef was produced in Australia or Uruguay, processed in the U.S., and distributed to Whole Foods stores across the country via distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.

The issue came to light when NPC Processing Inc. notified the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) that some of their beef products tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.

While no illnesses have been reported as of June 8, 2025, the USDA is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected products, as they may still be in homes despite no longer being available for purchase in stores.

E. coli O157:H7 is a serious pathogen that can cause severe intestinal infections. Symptoms include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, typically appearing 2–8 days after exposure.

While most people recover within a week, vulnerable groups such as children under 5 and older adults are at higher risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening kidney condition.

Consumers who have purchased the affected ground beef are advised to either throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.