- Company Name: NPC Processing, Inc.
- Date Issued: June 3, 2025
- Announced by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Product Name: Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef (85% Lean, 15% Fat)
- Issue Involved: Possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7
- Product Details: 1-lb vacuum-packed, Use or Freeze by 06-19-25 and 06-20-25
- Action Steps: Consumers should check freezers and discard or return the product
Wanna know how this all unfolded? Read below!
What happened?
NPC Processing, Inc., notified authorities that a batch of their raw ground beef tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 post-shipment. On June 3, 2025, FSIS issued a public health alert for Organic Rancher ground beef. The potentially contaminated product had already been distributed to Whole Foods locations nationwide after being sent to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.
While this isn’t a formal recall (because the beef is no longer on store shelves), FSIS is sounding the alarm to ensure everyone takes notice.
Affected product:
Brand | Product Description | Size | UPC (if available) | Use/Freeze By Date | Issue |
Organic Rancher | Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat | 1 lb | N/A | 06-19-25, 06-20-25 | E. coli O157:H7 |
What caused the issue?
The issue stems from Escherichia coli O157:H7—a potentially deadly bacterium that’s about as welcome in your burger as ketchup in a Philly cheesesteak.
Health risks:
- E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and severe abdominal cramps.
- Some people—especially kids under 5, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems—may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that requires emergency care.
- No illnesses have been reported so far, but FSIS urges caution.
Questions you might have
1. What’s being recalled?
Organic Rancher 1-lb ground beef (85/15) with “Use or Freeze By” 06-19-25 or 06-20-25.
2. Why the alert?
It tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 after it was shipped out.
3. Where was it sold?
Distributed in CT, GA, IL, MD — sold at Whole Foods stores nationwide.
4. How do I know if I have it?
Check for “EST. 4027,” those use-by dates, and the Organic Rancher label.
5. What are the risks?
E. coli can cause diarrhea, cramps, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
6. Any reported illnesses?
No confirmed cases so far.
7. What should I do?
Don’t eat it. Toss it or return it. Call 802-660-0496 for help.
8. Can I just cook it well?
Even if cooked, FSIS says not to risk it. Better to discard.
9. Does this happen a lot?
Yes — ground beef is a common recall item due to bacteria.
10. How can I stay safe?
Cook to 160°F, avoid cross-contamination, and stay updated with FSIS.
Here’s What You Should Do
Check your fridge and freezer—if you’ve got Organic Rancher ground beef with those use-by dates, do not eat it.
Look for “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
Please make sure to discard the product safely or return it to the store.
For more info, contact Danny Desautels of NPC Processing at 802-660-0496 or [email protected].
Behind the brand
NPC Processing, Inc., located in Shelburne, Vermont, is the company behind the Organic Rancher brand. This week’s public health alert adds them to a growing list of food producers facing contamination concerns. In related news, Isabelle’s Kitchen issued a recall of its deli salads due to potential Salmonella contamination. Supreme Produce also pulled its cucumber trays for the same reason, and The Coastal Companies followed with a recall tied to Salmonella risks in their distributed products.
Ensuring safe eats
This alert serves as a vital reminder: Food safety isn’t optional. Whether you’re a bulk buyer, private label brand, or foodservice pro, preventive testing, traceability, and reliable supplier partnerships are key. If you’ve got any of this Organic Rancher beef at home, toss it or return it.
Want to chat with a team that takes food safety seriously? We’re here to help. From vetting suppliers to ensuring top-tier quality for bulk, wholesale, and private label needs, we’ve got your back.
For more insights, feel free to contact us or explore our range of high-quality, fully vetted ingredients.
