Public Health Alert Issued for Ground Beef Due to Possible E. Coli Contamination

Check your fridge and freezer.

raw ground beef on butcher's paper with "public health alert" text
Photo:

Getty/Allrecipes

Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on April 20 for ground beef that may have been contaminated with E. coli. A recall was not requested at this time since the products are no longer available for purchase, though consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers and discard any affected beef.

The ground beef subject to the public health alert, from Greater Omaha Packing Co., bears the establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide.

Ground Beef Products Affected by the FSIS Health Alert

According to the FSIS announcement, "The raw ground beef items were produced on March 28, 2024. The products have a 'Use/Freeze by' date of April 22, 2024, and packaging date of '032824.' The list of products that are subject to the public health alert can be found here."

Additionally, the labels for these products can be found here.

The following products are subject to recall:

Product Description Case/Product Label Lot Code Case Code/Packaging
10-lb. ground beef chub GROUND BEEF 85 FINE GRIND 10#/6 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 263085
5-lb. ground beef chub GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB RIB BRISKET CHUCK CRAFT BURGER 5LB 26  66500
5-lb. ground beef chub Greater Omaha 100% ALL NATURAL 5 LBS. GOURMET BLEND RIB*BRISKET*CHUCK  
5-lb. ground beef chubs GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB 81 FINE GRIND 5#/12 EXACT WEIGHT  26 663581
4 / 8-oz. ground beef patties  GROUND BEEF GOANG GB Patty 8OZ Homestyle Rib/Brisket/CH   34 716800
4 / 8-oz. ground beef patties  LOT 34 Ground Beef GB GOANG 75 PATTY PUCK 8 OZ   34 728075
4 / 7-oz. ground beef patties  LOT 34 GROUND BEEF GOANG Rib/Brisket/Chuck 7OZ HOMESTYLE  34 716700
6-oz. ground beef patties LOT 34 GROUND BEEF GOANG GB PATTY 6 OZ HOMESTYLE RIB/BRISKET/CHUCK 34 716600
5-lb. ground beef chub GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB 81 FINE GRIND 5LB EXACT WEIGHT  26 63581
6 / 5.33-oz. ground beef patties  Ground Beef GOHERF RIB BRISKET CHUCK 5.33oz HOMESTYLE  27 616500
4 / 8-oz. ground beef patties LOT 27 Ground Beef GOHERF Homestyle GB PATTY RIB/BRISKET/CHUCK 8 OZ 27 616800
10-lb. ground beef chub GROUND BEEF 73 FINE GRIND 10#/6  37 263073
4 / 8-oz. ground beef patties LOT 51 Ground Beef GB GOANG 75 PATTY PUCK 8OZ  51 728075

Greater Omaha Packing Co. discovered the problem while conducting an inventory of product on hold because it was found positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company then notified FSIS that "they inadvertently used a portion of the contaminated beef to produce ground beef products that they subsequently shipped into commerce."

In addition to the public health alert about these products, FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F—a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature to be sure.

Common Symptoms Associated with E. Coli Infections

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these ground beef products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider.

E. coli bacteria can make people sick anywhere from two to eight days after consumption (three to four days on average). Symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, and dehydration. The illness usually subsides in about one week, but those with weakened immune systems may develop a more severe infection, so seek medical care if you experience symptoms.

If you have questions about this public health alert, you can contact Gina Adami, Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc., at 402-575-4702 or [email protected].

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