New, Fast-Moving Bacterial Outbreak Causing Concern in Montana

BUTTE, MT - Montana residents, a serious ground beef recall could pose a threat to your next meal.

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Over 167,000 pounds of potentially contaminated ground beef have been recalled due to the presence of E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous bacterium. While the recall is national, the risk could be closer to home than you think.

Could the ground beef in your kitchen or a recent meal at your favorite restaurant be part of the problem? Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

What Should You Do Right Now?

1. Check Your Meat: If you’ve recently purchased ground beef, inspect the packaging for the establishment number "EST. 2574B." If it matches, discard it immediately or return it to the store.

2. Be Cautious When Dining Out: Ask your favorite restaurant about their ground beef sources. If they can’t confirm safety, consider alternative menu items.

3. Look for Symptoms: If you or someone you know has experienced severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or dehydration after consuming ground beef, seek medical help immediately.

Why This Recall Should Worry You

E. coli O157:H7 isn’t your average food-borne illness.

While it can typically cause symptoms like stomach cramps and diarrhea, in severe cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that affects kidney function. Children under five and older adults are particularly vulnerable.

Ground beef is especially susceptible to contamination due to how it’s processed, and undercooking it increases the risk of infection. Even cross-contamination in kitchens can spread this dangerous bacterium.

How It All Started

The recall began after a cluster of illnesses in Minnesota was linked to contaminated ground beef. So far, 15 cases of E. coli infection have been reported, but experts warn that number could rise.

The recalled products were produced by Wolverine Packing Co. and include fresh and frozen ground beef. These items were shipped nationwide, including to Montana, although specific retailers and restaurants haven’t been named.

Fresh products carry a "use by" date of November 14, 2024, while frozen products were produced on October 22, 2024.

While recalls like this are becoming more common, the potential dangers are anything but routine. Montana residents should stay vigilant, check their products, and prioritize safety when dining out.

The good news? Awareness and action can help prevent illness. By double-checking your beef and keeping an eye out for symptoms, you can ensure your family stays safe. Remember: in situations like this, it’s better to overreact than to underprepare.

Stay safe, Montana, and don’t let a hidden threat like E. coli ruin your holiday meals!