What Brand of Ground Beef is Recalled? How to Check

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

As of recent public alerts, several companies have issued recalls or alerts for ground beef products due to potential contamination. These include Organic Rancher ground beef sold at Whole Foods, Wolverine Packing Co. products, and items from ADA Valley Meat Company.

Quick Summary

This article provides details on recent ground beef recalls and public health alerts, identifying affected brands, product details, and reasons for the recall. It also explains how to check your own products and offers guidance on what to do if you have a recalled item.

Key Points

Check Packaging Information: Always look for the brand name, Use by/Freeze by date, and the establishment number (EST.) on ground beef packaging.
Recent Recalled Brands: Key brands recently affected include Organic Rancher (Whole Foods), Wolverine Packing Co., and ADA Valley Meat Company.
Common Recall Reasons: Recalls are often due to contamination with pathogens like E. coli or foreign materials such as metal.
Use Official Sources: The most reliable and up-to-date information on recalls can be found on the USDA FSIS website and FoodSafety.gov.
Do Not Consume Recalled Products: If you have a recalled item, do not eat it. Dispose of it or return it for a refund, and thoroughly clean any contaminated surfaces.
Cook Meat Safely: Always cook ground beef to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and practice safe handling to prevent cross-contamination.

Current Ground Beef Recalls and Public Health Alerts

Staying informed about ground beef recalls and public health alerts is essential for consumer safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) is the authoritative source for information regarding meat, poultry, and egg recalls. Recent concerns have primarily involved potential E. coli contamination and foreign materials.

Notable Recent Alerts and Recalls:

Organic Rancher Ground Beef (Whole Foods): In June 2025, a public health alert was issued for this brand's organic ground beef due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The affected one-pound packages had 'Use or Freeze By' dates of 06-19-25 and 06-20-25, and bore establishment number EST. 4027.
Wolverine Packing Co.: In November 2024, a significant recall involved over 167,000 pounds of ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co.. This was due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination and was linked to illnesses. Affected fresh products had a 'Use by' date of November 14, 2024, and frozen products were produced on October 22, 2024. The establishment number for this recall was EST. 2574B.
ADA Valley Meat Company: A July 2025 recall by ADA Valley Meat Company involved over 1,000 pounds of fully cooked frozen ground beef due to potential metal foreign material. The affected products were in 20-pound cases with pack dates of May 28, 2025 (lot code 35156) and May 30, 2025 (lot code 35157).

How to Check Your Ground Beef for Recalls

To determine if your ground beef is subject to a recall, carefully examine the packaging:

Locate Key Information: Find the brand name, product type, 'Use by' or 'Freeze by' dates, and the establishment number on the label.
Match Brand and Product: Compare the brand and product description with the details in official recall notices.
Verify Dates: Check if the dates on your package align with the dates specified in the recall information.
Confirm Establishment Number: The establishment number, found inside the USDA mark of inspection, is a crucial identifier to match against recall notices.
Use Official Resources: The USDA FSIS website is the most reliable source for detailed recall information, including specific codes and images.

What to Do with Recalled Ground Beef

If you identify that your ground beef is part of a recall:

Do Not Consume: Avoid eating the product, even if it has been cooked, as harmful contaminants may not be eliminated.
Discard or Return: Safely dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Follow any specific disposal instructions provided in the recall notice.
Sanitize Contact Surfaces: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that came into contact with the raw, recalled beef.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be aware of symptoms of foodborne illness and seek medical advice if they occur.

Comparison of Recent Ground Beef Recalls


Feature	Organic Rancher (Whole Foods)	Wolverine Packing Co.	ADA Valley Meat Co.
Recalled On / Alert Issued	June 2025	November 2024	July 2025
Reason for Alert/Recall	E. coli O157:H7 contamination	E. coli O157:H7 contamination	Metal foreign material
Primary Distribution	Whole Foods Market stores nationwide	Restaurants nationwide	Establishments and distributors in select states
Establishment Number	`EST. 4027`	`EST. 2574B`	Specific lot codes apply
Product Status	Public Health Alert; Withdrawn from retail	Class I Recall; Voluntary	Recall

Conclusion

Staying informed about ground beef recalls is a critical aspect of food safety. Recent alerts and recalls involving brands like Organic Rancher, Wolverine Packing Co., and ADA Valley Meat Company due to concerns such as E. coli and foreign material highlight the importance of vigilance. Consumers should always refer to official sources like the USDA FSIS website and check product packaging details like dates and establishment numbers to confirm if their ground beef is affected. Proper handling, cooking to 160°F (71°C), and swift action upon identifying a recalled product are key steps in preventing foodborne illness.

For the most reliable, real-time recall information, always check the official FoodSafety.gov website.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of June 2025, a public health alert was issued for Organic Rancher brand organic ground beef sold at Whole Foods Market due to possible E. coli contamination. In July 2025, ADA Valley Meat Company recalled frozen ground beef for potential metal contamination.

To check your ground beef, look for the establishment (EST.) number inside the USDA mark of inspection, along with the Use by date. Compare these specific identifiers to the details provided in official USDA FSIS recall notices.

No, cooking recalled ground beef is not recommended. While proper cooking can kill many bacteria, it may not eliminate all potential risks associated with contamination.

Consuming recalled ground beef, especially if contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, can cause serious foodborne illness, which may lead to severe adverse health consequences or, in rare cases, death.

If you have consumed ground beef that was later recalled and you develop symptoms of foodborne illness, such as diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps, seek medical attention immediately.

The most comprehensive and official list of all food recalls can be found on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website and FoodSafety.gov. These resources provide up-to-date information on all active alerts.

A recall is a company's action to remove potentially unsafe food from the market. A public health alert is issued by the USDA when a product is known to be contaminated but may no longer be available for sale, yet some consumers might still have it in their possession.

All federally inspected meat products are required to have an EST. number on the packaging. If you cannot find one, this could indicate it was not properly inspected. Contact the retailer or discard the product to be safe.

Yes, you can typically return a recalled product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.