E. Coli Contamination Recall: Nearly 43,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Pulled from Market in March

An E. coli contamination issue has led to a recall of nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ground beef products produced in March and shipped to retailers and food service institutions nationwide.

The recall does not affect these items as they are no longer available for purchase. However, individuals who have concerns should contact their healthcare provider if they have consumed the affected products. Symptoms of E. coli exposure include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The timing of the illness varies from one day to over a week after exposure.

The Greater Omaha Packing Co discovered the issue during an inventory check of products on hold for testing positive for E. coli. It was found that a portion of the contaminated beef was unintentionally used to produce ground beef products that were then shipped into commerce. The affected products have a packaging date of March 28, 2024, a use/freeze by date of April 22, 2024, and an establishment number of “EST. 960A.”

The FSIS has listed specific ground beef products under this health alert. While E. coli bacteria are typically harmless and commonly found in the intestines of healthy individuals and animals, some strains such as E