### Major Ground Beef Recall Following E Coli Outbreak in the United States

The United States has been grappling with another unsettling E coli outbreak, this time traced to ground beef. More than 167,000 pounds (75.75 tonnes) of ground beef have been recalled following reports of illnesses linked to hamburgers served at restaurants affiliated with a common meat supplier.

Escherichia coli, better known as E coli, is generally a benign bacterium found in various environments, including the intestines of humans and animals. However, certain strains, such as E coli O157:H7, can lead to severe health issues and, in extreme cases, death. This specific strain produces toxins that inflict significant damage on the blood vessels in the kidneys, posing a notable risk to the young, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Between November 2 and November 14, at least 19 individuals in Minnesota reported falling ill after consuming E coli-contaminated meat. This sparked a nationwide recall of nearly 76 tonnes of ground beef by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. The tainted meat, found in hamburgers served at Red Cow and Hen House Eatery locations in Minnesota, led to the hospitalization of four people, with two suffering serious kidney complications.

The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) disclosed that the issue came to light following a notification from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which reported a cluster of illnesses linked to ground beef. Additionally, in late October, a separate E coli outbreak was traced to chopped onions from Taylor Farms in California, used in McDonald's Quarter Pounders. This incident left at least 104 people across 14 states ill, leading to 34 hospitalizations and one death in Colorado.

E coli can contaminate meat during the slaughtering and processing phases if intestinal contents or fecal matter contact the carcass, especially given improper handling or inadequate sanitation in slaughterhouses. Ground beef, combining meat from multiple animals, stands at a higher risk of contamination. Similarly, produce can become contaminated when exposed to E coli-laden water or soil during harvesting, processing, or handling.

In light of these outbreaks, Wolverine Packing Co assured that they are conducting a comprehensive internal audit to scrutinize suppliers and processes meticulously. In response to the McDonald's-related outbreak, the fast-food giant is investing $100 million to win back customers, including $65 million targeted at the most affected franchises. Two lawsuits have already been filed, each seeking a minimum of $50,000 in damages.