The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli. The raw ground beef products were produced on March 28, 2024, have a use/freeze by date of April 22, 2024, and packaging data of “032824.” The products bear the establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection and were shipped to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase, but the FSIS issued the alert to ensure consumers are aware that the products should not be consumed.
The issue was discovered by the Greater Omaha Packing Co. in Nebraska while conducting an inventory of a product that was on hold due to being found positive for E. coli. The company inadvertently used some of the contaminated beef to produce products that were then shipped. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to the consumption of these products. E. Coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps between two and eight days after exposure. Most people recover, but some can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is most common in children under five and older adults. Those with the condition are at risk of bruising easily and decreased urine output.
Consumers are urged not to consume the recalled products and food service institutions are advised not to serve them. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. It is important to safely prepare raw meat products, both fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The only way to confirm that ground beef has been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is by using a food thermometer that measures internal temperature. Consumers with questions about the public health alert can contact Gina Adami, Greater Omaha Packing at 402-575-4702 or by emailing gadami@gmail.com.
The FSIS urges consumers who have purchased the recalled products to not consume them and food service institutions to not serve them. The products should either be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers are advised to safely prepare raw meat products and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to use a food thermometer to ensure that the beef has been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria. Consumers can contact Gina Adami, Greater Omaha Packing, at 402-575-4702 or email gadami@gmail.com for questions about the public health alert. Additional food safety questions can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or via email at MPHotline@usda.gov.
