In recent news, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert warning about potential E. coli contamination in some ground beef products produced by Greater Omaha Packing Co. The affected products include patties and tubes of raw ground beef made on March 28, with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22 and an establishment number of “EST. 960A.”
Although no recall has been initiated for the tainted ground beef products, as they are no longer available for purchase, the FSIS is advising caution. The contamination was discovered during an inventory check of products on hold due to a positive E. coli 0157:H7 test. Some of the contaminated beef was mistakenly used in ground beef products shipped into commerce, both at food service institutions and retailers.
It’s important to note that the type of E. coli found in these ground beef products is a potentially dangerous bacterium that can lead to symptoms such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The FSIS estimates that over one-third of the total yearly cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli illnesses in the U.S. are caused by contaminated products like these. However, to date, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the consumption of the affected ground beef products.
Consumers are advised to dispose of the products in the trash or return them to the retailer for a refund. Greater Omaha Packing is a major producer of beef that exports its products to more than 70 countries worldwide, emphasizing the importance of proper handling and storage procedures in preventing such incidents from occurring again in the future.
