Nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef have been recalled due to concerns of E. coli contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ground beef products produced in March and shipped to retailers and food service institutions nationwide.
The issue was discovered by the Greater Omaha Packing Co. during an inventory check of products on hold for testing positive for E. coli. It was found that a portion of the contaminated beef was inadvertently used to produce ground beef products that were then shipped into commerce. The affected products have a packaging date of March 28, 2024, a use/freeze by date of April 22, 2024, and an establishment number of “EST. 960A.”
There have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the consumption of the beef, but individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they have concerns. Symptoms of E. coli exposure can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The timing of the illness varies from one day to over a week after exposure.
The FSIS has listed the specific ground beef products under the health alert. E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of healthy individuals and animals, with most strains being harmless