Public Health Alert Issued for Ground Beef Due to Possible E. Coli Contamination

Check your fridge and freezer.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on April 20 for ground beef that may have been contaminated with E. coli. A recall was not requested at this time since the products are no longer available for purchase, though consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers and discard any affected beef.

The ground beef subject to the public health alert, from Greater Omaha Packing Co., bears the establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide.

Ground Beef Products Affected by the FSIS Health Alert

According to the FSIS announcement, "The raw ground beef items were produced on March 28, 2024. The products have a 'Use/Freeze by' date of April 22, 2024, and packaging date of '032824.' The list of products that are subject to the public health alert can be found here."

Additionally, the labels for these products can be found here.

The following products are subject to recall:

Greater Omaha Packing Co. discovered the problem while conducting an inventory of product on hold because it was found positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company then notified FSIS that "they inadvertently used a portion of the contaminated beef to produce ground beef products that they subsequently shipped into commerce."

In addition to the public health alert about these products, FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F—a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature to be sure.

Common Symptoms Associated with E. Coli Infections

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these ground beef products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider.

E. coli bacteria can make people sick anywhere from two to eight days after consumption (three to four days on average). Symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, and dehydration. The illness usually subsides in about one week, but those with weakened immune systems may develop a more severe infection, so seek medical care if you experience symptoms.

If you have questions about this public health alert, you can contact Gina Adami, Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc., at 402-575-4702 or gadami@gmail.com.

Read the original article on All Recipes.