In an effort to protect consumers, officials have issued a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli. The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that the alert applies to raw ground beef products bearing the establishment number "EST. 960A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide.

The affected ground beef products were produced on March 28, 2024, and have a use/freeze by date of April 22, 2024. The packaging indicates the production date as "032824," as stated in a news release by FSIS. Although a recall was not requested as the products are no longer available for purchase, the FSIS issued the alert to ensure consumers are aware that the products should not be consumed.

The contamination issue came to light when the Greater Omaha Packing Co. in Nebraska conducted an inventory check on a product that was on hold due to E. coli contamination. The company promptly notified the FSIS that a portion of the contaminated beef had been inadvertently used in the production of other products, which were subsequently shipped to various locations.

Fortunately, there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the consumption of these products so far. However, it is important to note that E. coli is a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause severe symptoms such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within two to eight days of exposure. Certain individuals, such as children under five and older adults, are at a higher risk of developing a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

To ensure public safety, the FSIS urges consumers who have purchased the affected products to refrain from consuming them. Food service institutions are also advised to not serve these products. Instead, they should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

It is crucial for consumers to safely handle and prepare raw meat products, including ground beef. Cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended to destroy harmful bacteria. To accurately determine whether the meat has reached the appropriate temperature, individuals are advised to use a food thermometer.

For further inquiries regarding the public health alert, consumers can contact Gina Adami from Greater Omaha Packing at 402-575-4702 or via email at gadami@gmail.com. for general food safety concerns, the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or MPHotline@usda.gov can be reach out to.