(WJW) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding certain organic ground beef products that might be contaminated with E. coli.

The alert, issued by FSIS, applies to some Organic Rancher products distributed to Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.

FSIS indicates there was no need for a recall since these products aren’t available for sale anymore. Despite this, officials are concerned that some consumers may still have the potentially contaminated beef in their refrigerators or freezers. They strongly advise against consuming these products.

Here’s what to check for:

• 1-pound vacuum-packed packages of “Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat”
• The affected beef was produced on May 22, 2025, and May 23, 2025, and has the use-by or freeze-by dates of June 19, 2025, and June 20, 2025, on the packaging.
• The product bears the establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The ground beef was originally sent to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland before being distributed to Whole Foods Market locations nationwide, FSIS reports.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness. But health officials warned that E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps after exposure.

“While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately,” states the FSIS in the health alert.

Anyone with illness concerns should contact their health care provider.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.