Ground Beef Food Poisoning Lawsuit | April 2025 Latest Updates

Ground Beef Food Poisoning Lawsuit Overview

Ground beef contamination lawsuits typically arise when consumers become seriously ill after consuming products tainted with dangerous pathogens like E. coli or Salmonella.

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may be held liable for failing to ensure their products are safe for consumption.

The CDC estimates approximately 265,000 E. coli infections occur annually in the United States, with ground beef being a common source.

Multiple FDA warnings have been issued regarding proper handling and cooking of ground beef products to prevent foodborne illness.

Latest Ground Beef Lawsuit Updates

• May 6, 2025 – Bismillah Halal Meats, a Marietta, Ga.-based Firm, is recalling raw ground beef products which may be contaminated with E. coli O103 [2.].
• Nov. 20, 2024 – Detroit, Michigan-based Wolverine Packing Co. is recalling about 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) [1].
• Oct. 15, 2024 – A class action lawsuit was filed against Major Meat Processors Inc. following an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to their ground beef products across 12 states, resulting in 37 hospitalizations.
• Sept. 3, 2024 – The CDC announced an investigation into a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to ground beef, with 63 reported cases across 17 states, resulting in 28 hospitalizations and 7 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
• Aug. 17, 2024 – A $25 million settlement was reached in a class action lawsuit against National Beef Packing Company following a Salmonella outbreak that sickened over 100 people in 8 states.
• July 2, 2024 – The FDA implemented enhanced testing protocols for ground beef products in response to increasing reports of contamination, requiring more rigorous pathogen testing before distribution.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System and MAUDE database, ground beef-related foodborne illness reports have increased by 12% in the past year. Specific statistics include:

• 1,872 adverse events related to contaminated ground beef reported in the last 24 months
• 43% of cases resulted in hospitalization
• 18% of cases involved kidney complications, including HUS
• 7% resulted in long-term health consequences
• The FDA has issued 12 major ground beef recalls in the past year, affecting over 2 million pounds of product

Ground Beef Food Poisoning Injuries & Side Effects

Contaminated ground beef can cause severe foodborne illnesses with potentially life-threatening complications, particularly in vulnerable populations.

• E. coli Infection: Severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and potential development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Kidney failure, neurological complications, and potential long-term kidney damage
• Salmonella Infection: High fever, severe dehydration, intestinal damage, and potential bloodstream infection
• Long-term Complications: Reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, and kidney problems
• Severe Dehydration: Requiring hospitalization, IV fluids, and potential organ damage
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): Blood clotting disorder requiring emergency treatment

Do You Qualify for a Ground Beef Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a ground beef food poisoning lawsuit if:

• You consumed ground beef products between 2022-2025
• You were diagnosed with E. coli, Salmonella, or another foodborne pathogen linked to ground beef
• You required medical treatment, hospitalization, or developed serious complications
• You can provide evidence linking your illness to a specific ground beef product
• You were affected by a ground beef product that was part of a documented recall
• Your illness resulted in significant medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term health issues

Also Read: Creekstone Farms Ground Beef Recall

Evidence Required for a Ground Beef Food Poisoning Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you’ll need to gather specific documentation:

• Medical records confirming diagnosis of foodborne illness
• Proof of purchase of the contaminated ground beef product
• Any packaging or receipts from the purchased product
• Documentation of the product being part of a recall
• Medical bills and treatment records
• Employment records showing lost wages
• Documentation of any long-term health consequences

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of ground beef food poisoning may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospitalization, medications, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to the illness and recovery
• Long-term or permanent health damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment
• Punitive damages against negligent manufacturers
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones

Ground Beef Recall Information

Wolverine Packing Recall (November 2024):

• 167,277 pounds of ground beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7
• Products produced between October 15-24, 2024
• Products distributed to restaurants and institutional locations nationwide
• Products bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection
• No confirmed reports of adverse reactions at time of recall announcement

Additional Recent Recalls:

• September 2024: Greater Farms recalled 53,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible E. coli contamination
• August 2024: Premium Protein Products recalled 87,400 pounds of ground beef products after Salmonella testing
• July 2024: American Beef Processors recalled 103,752 pounds of ground beef due to possible foreign matter contamination
• June 2024: Quality Meat Suppliers issued a recall of 78,156 pounds of ground beef products due to potential E. coli contamination

Statute of Limitations for Ground Beef Food Poisoning Lawsuits

The time you have to file a ground beef food poisoning lawsuit varies by state and circumstance:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of illness to file a personal injury claim
• Some states have shorter limitations periods of just 1 year (Louisiana, Tennessee)
• The statute of limitations may be extended if the contamination was not discovered until later
• For minors, the statute of limitations typically begins when they reach the age of majority
• Product liability claims may have different limitations periods than negligence claims
• The discovery rule may apply if you couldn’t reasonably have known the source of your illness immediately

Related Articles:

• Beef Ravioli Lawsuit
• Bison Meat Food Poisoning
• Hot Dogs Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

1. What Are the Common Causes of Food Poisoning That Merit Legal Action in Colorado?

Common causes include cross-contamination, improper food storage, inadequate cooking temperatures, and unsanitary food handling practices. Under product liability laws, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for contaminated products. Negligence in these areas leads to foodborne illnesses.

2. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

Most food poisoning cases settle within 6-18 months, depending on case complexity, severity of injuries, and cooperation of defendants. More complex cases involving multiple victims or substantial damages may take longer to resolve.

3. What Compensation Can I Receive for E. coli Poisoning from Ground Beef?

Compensation typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential punitive damages. Recent settlements have ranged from $10,000 for minor cases to over $7 million for severe cases resulting in permanent kidney damage or death.

4. How Do I Prove the Ground Beef I Consumed Caused My Illness?

Proving causation requires medical documentation confirming a foodborne pathogen, proof of purchase of the contaminated product, evidence linking your specific illness to a particular strain or outbreak, and sometimes stool sample testing that matches the outbreak strain.

5. Can I Join an Existing Class Action Lawsuit for Ground Beef Contamination?

Yes, if your illness is connected to a product involved in an existing class action. An attorney can help determine if you qualify for an existing lawsuit or whether an individual claim is more appropriate for your situation.

6. What Makes E. coli O157:H7 Particularly Dangerous in Ground Beef?

E. coli O157:H7 produces Shiga toxins that can cause severe illness even at low exposure levels. The grinding process spreads bacteria throughout the meat, unlike whole cuts where contamination remains on the surface and can be killed by cooking.

7. Can I Still File a Claim if the Ground Beef Wasn’t Part of an Official Recall?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation even without an official recall if you can demonstrate the product was contaminated and caused your illness. Documentation from healthcare providers and testing of leftover product can help establish your claim.

8. How Does Salmonella Differ from E. coli in Food Poisoning Cases?

Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms within 12-72 hours of consumption, including fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While generally less likely to cause kidney failure than E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella can lead to serious complications including bloodstream infections and reactive arthritis.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Get A Free Ground Beef Food Poisoning Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for ground beef food poisoning cases. Most states only allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, and valuable evidence can be lost if you delay taking action.

Our experienced food safety attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Thorough evaluation of your potential claim
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Access to medical experts specializing in foodborne illness
• Proven track record of successful foodborne illness litigation

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering and expenses.

References:

1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co–recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e–coli-o157h7
2. https://www.qualityassurancemag.com/news/fsis-issues-alert-for-bismillah-halal-meats-ground-beef-due-to-possible-ecoli-contamination/