The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture has issued a nationwide public health alert regarding potential E. coli contamination in ground beef products. Although there hasn’t been a recall as the affected products are no longer on the market, the agency has raised concerns about the Greater Omaha ground beef items. The alert highlights the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a strain known to cause severe intestinal infections in humans.
FSIS Identifies Products at Risk of E. Coli Contamination
In a statement released on Saturday, the agency cautioned that the affected products were manufactured and packaged on March 28 with an expiration date of April 22. These products were distributed to restaurants and retailers nationwide. The health alert specifically mentions the following products:
10-lb. ground beef chub, 5-lb. ground beef chub, 5-lb. ground beef chub, 5-lb. ground beef chubs, 4 / 8-oz ground beef patties, 4 / 8-oz ground beef patties, 4 / 7-oz ground beef patties, 6-oz ground beef patties, 5-lb. ground beef chub, 6 / 5.33-oz ground beef patties, 4 / 8-oz ground beef patties, 10-lb ground beef chub, 4 / 8-oz ground beef patties.
Reason Behind the Public Health Alert
As per the agency’s statement, the company identified an issue during an inventory check of products held back due to testing positive for E. coli O157:H7. Greater Omaha then reported to the agency that they inadvertently used some of the contaminated beef in the production process of ground beef products that were subsequently distributed for sale nationwide.
FSIS is concerned that the affected food items may be present in consumers’ freezers or at food service establishments. Therefore, it advises buyers who have purchased these products not to consume them, and food service establishments not to serve them.
The agency recommends that such products should be disposed of or returned to the store of purchase. FSIS also emphasizes that all consumers must handle their raw meat products, both fresh and frozen, by ensuring that ground beef is cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F before consumption.
