Nationwide Public Health Alert Issued Over Ground Beef Potentially Contaminated With E. Coli
Here’s what you need to know.
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Check your freezers!
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ground beef products shipped to food service institutions and retailers nationwide that may be contaminated with E. coli.
The raw ground beef items that were produced March 28, 2024, have a packaging date of "032824" and a Use/Freeze by date of April 22, 2024. The affected products also have an establishment number of "EST. 960A" found inside the USDA mark of inspection.
FSIS explained that a recall for these items has not been issued because they are no longer available for purchase, though they might still be in freezers. Anyone who previously purchased the products should throw them away or return them to their place of purchase.
You can find the full list of products subject to the public health alert here.
The problem was reportedly discovered by Greater Omaha Packing Co. while conducting an inventory of product that was on hold because it was positive for E. coli. According to FSIS, the company “inadvertently used a portion of the contaminated beef to produce ground beef products that they subsequently shipped into commerce.”
Fortunately, there have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.
E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps two to eight days after exposure. While most people recover within a week, five to 10 percent develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition is most likely to occur in children under five and in older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased frequency of urination. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to Gina Adami, a representative of Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc. at (402) 575-4702.
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