Food Poisoning Law Blog

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today confirms another E. coli case linked to ground beef.  This new case brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 7.  Investigators found that the seven individuals had eaten ground beef purchased from Whole Foods Markets in July.  The Department of Public Health has since warned consumers not to eat ground beef purchased from Whole Foods Market stores between June 2 and August 6.  The warning applies to all ground beef and ground beef patties from the meat counter and prepackaged in meat coolers.

Interestingly enough, health officials believe these cases are connected with the nationwide recall of ground beef from Nebraska Beef. The beef products have already been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, but Whole Foods Markets purchased some of the affected products from Nebraska Beef (Coleman brand name).  Officials are looking into why Whole Foods Market sold the products after the recall had been issued. Whole Foods Market has since removed all beef products purchased from Nebraska Beef from store shelves.

E. coli can cause serious symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and can lead to kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS).  The Department of Public Health continues to warn all consumers to always cook ground beef properly in order to kill any possible bacteria. So far, 5 of the 7 confirmed cases of E. coli in Massachusetts have been hospitalized.  Below is more information on each of the cases.