Deadly Bacteria Found in Ground Beef Sold at High-end New York Grocery Chain

Photo Credit Brittani Burns

Health officials have issued a public health alert after a potentially deadly strain of E. coli was discovered in organic ground beef sold at one of New York’s priciest grocery retailers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is warning consumers about specific packages of organic ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli, a dangerous bacterium known to cause severe foodborne illness.

“E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps two to eight days (three to four days, on average) after exposure,” the FSIS alert states. “While most people recover within a week, some develop a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.”

The alert applies to the following product:

1-lb. vacuum-sealed packages of "ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT" labeled with “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25” and “Use or Freeze By 06-20-25.”

The beef was produced on May 22nd and May 23rd, 2025, and carries the establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA inspection mark.

According to FSIS, the affected ground beef was distributed nationally through Whole Foods Market, which has locations throughout New York and is widely recognized as one of the most expensive grocery store chains in the state.

Health officials are urging consumers to check their freezers and refrigerators for the listed packages and to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions or concerns can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).

Deadly Bacteria Found in Ground Beef Sold at High-end New York Grocery Chain