A public health alert for potentially E. coli-contaminated beef products has been initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This alert aims to inform consumers that these products should not be consumed. In the announcement, released on April 20, 2024, the FSIS stated that no recall is associated with the alert because the products are no longer for sale.
Key Details:
- Supplier: Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc.
- Contaminated Products: The affected products were produced on March 28, 2024, with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024, and packaging date of “032824.” The FSIS has made available a list of all affected products here.
- Product Availability: The affected products are no longer available for sale.
- Identification: All products covered by the alert are marked with the establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- Distribution: The products were distributed to food service institutions and retail outlets across the country
Background:
An inventory by Greater Omaha Packing Company of on-hold product that had previously tested positive for E. coli led to the discovery of additional contamination. They mistakenly utilized some of the tainted beef to manufacture ground beef products, which were then distributed for sale.
Health Risks:
- E. coli is a bacterium with the potential to be fatal, inducing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue from dehydration that appear three to four days after the initial infection, though in some cases, symptoms don’t appear for over a week.
- Although unpleasant, most symptoms subside within a week. In extreme cases, individuals experience hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a deadly complication that shuts down the kidneys and other vital organs. Symptoms of HUS include less frequent urination, loss of color in the cheeks and inner eyelids, and extreme fatigue. Anyone showing one or more of these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Recommendations:
Although the affected products are no longer available for sale, consumers and commercial entities may still have the contaminated beef in their freezers. If found, consumers are strongly requested to not consume any affected product and businesses are strongly requested not to serve any affected product. Product should instead be immediately discarded or returned to point of purchase.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Gina Adami of Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc. at 402-575-4702 or by email at [email protected].
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Consumers need to stay informed and take necessary precautions when handling raw beef products. E. coli is a potentially dangerous pathogen and those showing symptoms should seek medical care.”
