WASHINGTON — On June 3, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for ground beef products from NPC Processing Inc., Shelburne, Vt., due to the possibility the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
The FSIS issued the alert to ensure consumers are aware that the products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
FSIS discovered the problem when NPC notified the agency the products tested positive for E. Coli O157:H7 after being shipped into commerce.
The raw ground beef item was produced on May 22, 2025, and May 23, 2025. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:
- 1-lb vacuum-packed packages of “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT” with “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25” and “Use or Freeze By 06-20-25” as represented on the packaging.
The product bears the establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection. NPC Processing shipped the item to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland. The item was then further distributed to Whole Foods Market retail locations nationwide.
No confirmed illnesses have been reported due to consumption of the products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
