The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ground beef products produced by Greater Omaha Packing Co. due to possible contamination with E. coli.
The alert warns consumers not to consume these products, which include both patties and tubes of raw ground beef that were produced on March 28th and bear an April 22nd “Use/Freeze by” date and the establishment number “EST. 960A.”
The concern for potential E. coli contamination arose when the company discovered that a portion of their product, which had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, had been inadvertently used to produce ground beef that was then shipped into commerce.
The FSIS is now urging both food service institutions and retailers who received the potentially contaminated meat products to check their inventories and either dispose of the product or return it to the retailer.
An E. Coli alert ladies & gentlemen. The beef in question is from a brand, Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc.
If this beef is in your fridge or freezer and the freeze/use by date of April 28, 2024 is labeled, consider discarding it for your own wellbeing. pic.twitter.com/E49TIJQswC
— Julio Murillo (@JEM_el_tarasco) April 23, 2024
E. coli O157:H7 is a harmful bacterium that can cause serious illness in those who consume it. Symptoms may include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps that can arise 2-8 days after exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this specific strain of E. coli is responsible for over one-third of the estimated 265,000 yearly cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli illnesses in the United States.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. However, FSIS is concerned that some of the affected products may still be in consumers’ freezers or in food service establishments’ inventories.
Consumers are urged to follow the FSIS’s advice and not consume the recalled products. If you have purchased any of the recalled ground beef, please either throw it away or return it to the retailer.
According to the FSIS, Greater Omaha Packing Co. distributes beef products to over 70 countries. It is unclear how many products have been affected by the contamination and if any other countries may be affected by this recall.
Food safety is a top priority for the FSIS, and this public health alert is just one example of their commitment to ensuring the safety of the food supply. It also reminds us to always handle and prepare food safely to avoid potential illness.
If you have any concerns or questions about this recall, you can contact the FSIS Ask USDA by calling 1-888-674-6854 or via online chat at Ask.USDA.gov. Stay informed about food recalls by checking the FSIS website, following @USDAFoodSafety on Twitter, or by signing up for FSIS email alerts.
