Omaha, Nebraska – A nationwide health alert has been issued for ground beef products due to potential E. coli contamination, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. The affected raw ground beef items, produced on March 28, 2024, and packaged with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024, were distributed with the label “EST.960A” nationwide.
The FSIS identified the strain as E. coli O157:H7, known for causing severe intestinal infections in humans. Although no confirmed illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to check their freezers for the impacted products. The FSIS has shared a list of the affected ground beef products, including various chubs and patties distributed to restaurants and retail locations across the country.
Given that the affected products are no longer available for sale, a recall has not been requested. However, the FSIS has issued a health alert to ensure consumers are aware of the potential risk. If anyone has any of the listed ground beef products, they are advised not to consume them and instead discard or return them to the place of purchase.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, with onset typically within three to four days of consuming contaminated food. Severe cases are more common in children under 5 and older adults. If individuals have consumed the affected products and experience illness, they are urged to seek medical attention promptly.
In serious cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consumers with questions about the health alert can contact Gina Adami, a representative from Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc. Alternatively, concerns can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or reported through the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.