Officials have issued a public health alert regarding ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli. The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stated that the affected raw ground beef items bear the establishment number ‘EST. 960A’ inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were distributed to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide. They were manufactured on March 28, 2024, with a use/freeze by date of April 22, 2024, and packaging data of ‘032824,’ as per the FSIS news release.
Although a recall was not initiated since the products are no longer available for purchase, the FSIS issued the alert to inform consumers not to consume the products. The list of affected products can be accessed on the FSIS website.
The contamination issue was identified by the Greater Omaha Packing Co. in Nebraska during an inventory check of a product that was on hold due to E. coli contamination. The company informed the FSIS that some of the contaminated beef was mistakenly used to produce products that were subsequently shipped out.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the consumption of these products. E. coli is a dangerous bacterium that can lead to dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within two to eight days post-exposure. While most individuals recover, some may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure that is more common in young children and older adults. Those experiencing symptoms such as easy bruising and decreased urine output should seek immediate medical attention.
The FSIS advises consumers who have purchased the affected ground beef products to discard them immediately to prevent any potential health risks.
