Nationwide Health Alert Launched for Ground Beef Over Contamination Concerns

On April 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli.

A recall was not issued, as products are no longer available for purchase. However, the FSIS issued the health alert for consumers who may still have the ground beef in freezers.

Affected raw ground beef products were produced on March 28, 2024, with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024, and a packaging date of "032824." (Photos of the labels for the products can be found on the FSIS website.

As of writing, there have not been any confirmed reports of illness in connection with the health alert.

Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of an E. coli infection may include stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, potentially leading to dehydration. Some people may also experience a fever. Most people with an E. coli infection begin feeling ill three to four days after consuming a contaminated product. However, sickness can start anywhere between one and 10 days after being exposed. In serious cases, a person could develop kidney failure.

The FSIS advises those who have any of the ground beef included in the health alert not to consume it. Instead, the products should be thrown away or returned to the store where it was purchased.

For questions about the FSIS health alert, contact Gina Adami, Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc. Representative, at 402-575-4702 or gadami@gmail.com.

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