Organic Ranger Ground Beef Linked to E. Coli: Essential Information for Consumers
The food safety landscape has had another unsettling shake-up, and this time it comes from the esteemed Organic Ranger brand. If you bought ground beef recently, particularly from Whole Foods, you’ll want to pay close attention. Here’s everything you need to know about the potential health risk associated with this beloved product.
What’s the Issue?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert concerning Organic Ranger ground beef products after they tested positive for E. coli. This alert spans over 25 states, causing a ripple of concern among conscientious consumers.
While the raw ground beef products are no longer available in stores, the FSIS opted for an alert rather than a recall. The beef in question was produced on May 22 and 23, 2025, and is described as 85% lean, 15% fat, packaged in 1-pound vacuum-sealed containers. Expiration dates to look out for include June 19 and 20, 2025.
Identifying the Affected Products
To determine whether you might have these products in your freezer, look for:
- The Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef label, indicating 85% lean, 15% fat.
- Expiration dates reading June 19, 2025, or June 20, 2025.
- The establishment number “EST. 4027” which appears inside the USDA mark of inspection.
If you find any of these details on your packaging, it’s crucial to act quickly.
What Should You Do If You Have the Affected Beef?
- Do not consume the product. Your health is paramount!
- Dispose of it immediately or return it to your point of purchase.
- If you do choose to consume beef in the future, ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Using a food thermometer can help guarantee safety.
Geographic Impact: Where Was It Sold?
The tainted beef was distributed to Whole Foods locations across a broad swath of the United States, specifically in:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Florida
- And many more states
For the full list, please refer to the FSIS website.
Organic Ranger’s Response to the Alert
In light of these developments, Organic Ranger has confirmed that the affected products are no longer on sale. They’ve indicated that this incident is isolated and that products with different use or freeze-by dates are safe for consumption.
In a statement on their website, Organic Ranger reassured consumers of their commitment to food safety, mentioning that they have identified the root cause and implemented corrective actions.
Understanding E. Coli: Risks and Recovery
E. coli is no minor concern—this potentially deadly bacterium can manifest serious symptoms such as:
- Dehydration
- Bloody diarrhea
- Severe abdominal cramps
Symptoms typically last between 2 to 8 days, but most individuals recover without lasting complications. However, for vulnerable populations, including young children and the elderly, exposure can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition resulting in kidney failure.
Need Further Assistance?
If you have more questions regarding the health alert or your own food safety protocols, consider reaching out to the following:
- NPC Processing, Inc. at (802) 660-0496
- Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854
Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your kitchen healthy! Remember, food safety is not just a precaution; it’s a necessity that ensures the well-being of you and your loved ones.
