### Urgent Nationwide Health Alert: Ground Beef Linked to E. Coli and Colon Cancer Risks US health officials have issued a critical warning regarding ground beef sold at Whole Foods, which may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. This contamination has raised concerns due to its potential link to serious health issues, including colon cancer. The affected product is identified as "Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat," with specific use or freeze by dates of June 19 and June 20, 2025. The USDA has not yet issued a formal recall, but consumers are urged to check their freezers for these products and take necessary precautions [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14783707/whole-foods-ground-beef-recall-deadly-bacteria-colon-cancer.html][https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-06-05/organic-ground-beef-sold-at-whole-foods-may-be-contaminated-with-e-coli-usda-says]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Segments 1. **Health Alert Issued**: The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ground beef sold at Whole Foods due to potential E. coli contamination [https://www.newsbreak.com/upi-news-510013/4039177003706-usda-organic-ground-beef-sold-at-whole-foods-may-be-contaminated-with-e-coli]. 2. **Product Details**: The specific product in question is vacuum-packed ground beef labeled as "Organic Rancher," with a fat content of 85% lean and 15% fat. The use or freeze by dates are critical for consumers to note [https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/06/05/e-coli-warning-issued-for-ground-beef-sold-at-whole-foods]. 3. **Geographical Impact**: The health alert applies to Whole Foods locations nationwide, affecting consumers across multiple states [https://www.wyff4.com/article/ground-beef-recall-whole-foods/64978440]. 4. **Consumer Guidance**: The USDA has advised consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected products and to discard them if found [https://www.abc15.com/us-news/ground-beef-sold-at-whole-foods-may-be-tainted-with-e-coli-usda-says]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contamination Source**: The ground beef was produced by NPC Processing Inc. in Shelburne, Vermont, on May 22 and 23, 2025 [https://www.abc27.com/news/health/ap-health/ap-ground-beef-sold-at-whole-foods-may-be-tainted-with-e-coli-usda-says]. - **Health Risks**: E. coli can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues and has been linked to increased risks of colon cancer, making this alert particularly concerning for public health [https://www.delish.com/food-news/a64969944/e-coli-contaminated-ground-beef-alert]. - **No Illness Reports**: As of the latest updates, there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the contaminated products, but the USDA is taking precautionary measures [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/usda-issues-warning-ground-beef-185750424.html]. ### Conclusion: Summary of Findings In summary, the USDA has issued a public health alert regarding ground beef sold at Whole Foods due to potential E. coli contamination, which poses serious health risks, including links to colon cancer. 1. **Health Alert**: A nationwide alert has been issued for specific ground beef products. 2. **Product Identification**: Consumers should look for "Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef" with specified use or freeze by dates. 3. **Geographical Scope**: The alert affects Whole Foods locations across the United States. 4. **Consumer Action**: Shoppers are advised to check their products and discard any that match the description. This situation underscores the importance of food safety and consumer vigilance in preventing potential health risks associated with contaminated food products [https://www.journal-news.com/local/alert-beef-from-whole-foods-may-be-contaminated-with-e-coli/E5FGBT5XXVDIBM5BINLKOYT6YM].