The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. This alert serves as a warning to consumers and food service institutions who may have the affected product in their freezers.

The alert specifically relates to raw ground beef produced by Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc. on March 28, 2024. Although the product is no longer available for purchase, a recall was not requested. Nevertheless, the USDA has urged consumers not to consume these products, while food service institutions are advised not to serve them.

The ground beef products in question have a packaging date of "032824" and a "Use/Freeze by" date of April 22, 2024. They can be identified by the establishment number "EST. 960A" located inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The issue of potential E. coli contamination was discovered during an inventory review by the establishment. Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc. identified a portion of the beef that had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 and inadvertently used it to produce ground beef products that were subsequently distributed.

The company is yet to respond to ABC News' request for further comment on the matter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E. coli can cause diarrhea, with germs spreading through contaminated food or water. While anyone can become ill from E. coli, adults over the age of 65, children under 5, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of infection.

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically last between five to seven days and include bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and potentially high fever, as outlined by the CDC.

Consumers who have purchased these ground beef products are urged to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. It is crucial to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to prevent any potential health risks.