E. Coli Food Recalls

FDA Enforcement Data · FoodRecallFinder.com · 33 brands tracked · Updated weekly

What Is an E. Coli Recall?

An E. Coli recall occurs when a food product tests positive for pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli — most commonly E. coli O157:H7 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains capable of causing severe foodborne illness.

While most E. coli strains are harmless and naturally present in the human gut, certain pathogenic strains produce toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and life-threatening complications.

Why E. Coli Recalls Are Serious

The FDA classifies E. coli recalls as Class I about as often as Class II — in our database, the split is nearly even. Pathogenic E. coli can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, particularly in children and the elderly, infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a life-threatening condition that can cause kidney failure.

The CDC estimates STEC causes approximately 265,000 infections annually in the United States, with E. coli O157:H7 responsible for roughly 25% of those cases.

Foods Most Commonly Affected

  • Ground beef and raw beef products
  • Raw leafy greens, particularly romaine lettuce and spinach
  • Unpasteurized milk and dairy products
  • Raw sprouts
  • Unpasteurized juice and cider
  • Flour and raw dough products

Common Causes of E. Coli Recalls

  • Contaminated irrigation or processing water — particularly affecting fresh produce
  • Animal waste contamination — E. coli originating from cattle and other livestock
  • Inadequate cooking instructions — products requiring proper cooking that consumers may undercook
  • Cross-contamination during processing — contact between raw and finished products
  • Supplier ingredient contamination — contaminated raw ingredients entering production

E. Coli Recalls in Our Database

FoodRecallFinder.com tracks 33 brands where E. coli is the predominant contamination type in their FDA recall history. E. coli is the seventh most common contamination category in our database.

To view the full recall history for any brand including E. coli events use the search bar on our homepage or browse all brands A-Z.

What to Do If Your Product Is Recalled

  • Stop using the product immediately
  • Do not consume it even if cooked thoroughly afterward — discard or return it
  • Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling the recalled product
  • Watch for symptoms: severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting
  • Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, especially in children or elderly individuals
  • Report illness to the FDA at FDA.gov

Data Source

All recall data on FoodRecallFinder.com is sourced from the FDA Recall Enterprise System via the openFDA Food Enforcement API. Data is updated weekly. FoodRecallFinder.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For the complete list of E. coli recalls visit FDA.gov directly.