The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a warning that some ground beef products may be contaminated with E. coli, potentially putting consumers at risk. The warning was issued after Greater Omaha Packing Co., a company that supplies beef to over 70 countries, unintentionally used contaminated beef to produce ground beef products.
Over a dozen potentially tainted products were manufactured by the company, including both patties and tubes of raw ground beef. These products may still be in consumers’ and food service institutions’ freezers, which is why the FSIS is urging the public not to consume them due to the possible E. coli contamination. Packaging of the affected products should show an April 22 “Use/Freeze by” date and the establishment number “EST. 960A.”
The specific strain of E. coli that may be present in the ground beef products is potentially deadly and can cause symptoms like dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within 2-8 days (3-4 days on average) after exposure. Despite the contamination, no illnesses have been reported from consuming the ground beef products mentioned in the FSIS public health alert. Consumers are advised to dispose of the products or return them to the retailer as soon as possible.