Nationwide Health Alert for E. coli Contaminated Ground Beef: What You Need to Know

A recent national health alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding Greater Omaha ground beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This particular strain of E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal infections in humans. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about this alert and how to stay safe.

Product Details:
The affected ground beef products were produced and packaged on March 28, 2024, with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024. The packaging will also have “EST.960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. While the ground beef was distributed to various restaurants and retail locations nationwide, it is important to note that the impacted products are no longer available for sale.

Affected Products:

• 10-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF 85 FINE GRIND 10#/6 (Lot codes: 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33; Case code: 263085)
• 5-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB RIB BRISKET CHUCK CRAFT BURGER 5LB (Lot code: 26; Case code: 66500)
• 5-lb. ground beef chub: Greater Omaha 100% ALL NATURAL 5 LBS. GOURMET BLEND RIB BRISKET CHUCK
• 5-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB 81 FINE GRIND 5#/12 EXACT WEIGHT (Lot code: 26; Case code: 663581)
• 4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: GROUND BEEF GOANG GB Patty 8OZ Homestyle Rib/Brisket/CH (Lot code: 34; Case code: 716800)
• 4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: LOT 34 Ground Beef GB GOANG 75 PATTY PUCK 8 OZ (Lot code: 34; Case code: 728075)
• 4-pack 7-oz ground beef patties: LOT 34 GROUND BEEF GOANG Rib/Brisket/Chuck 7OZ HOMESTYLE (Lot code: 34; Case code: 716700)
• 6-oz ground beef patties: LOT 34 GROUND BEEF GOANG GB PATTY 6 OZ HOMESTYLE RIB/BRISKET/CHUCK (Lot code: 34; Case code: 716600)
• 5-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB 81 FINE GRIND 5LB EXACT WEIGHT (Lot code: 26; Case code: 63581)
• 6-pack 5.33-oz ground beef patties: Ground Beef GOHERF RIB BRISKET CHUCK 5.33oz HOMESTYLE (Lot code: 27; Case code: 616500)
• 4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: LOT 27 Ground Beef GOHERF Homestyle GB PATTY RIB/BRISKET/CHUCK 8 OZ (Lot code: 27; Case code: 616800)
• 10-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF 73 FINE GRIND 10#/6 (Lot code: 37; Case code: 263073)
• 4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: LOT 51 Ground Beef GB GOANG 75 PATTY PUCK 8OZ (Lot code: 51; Case code: 728075)

Recommendations:
If you have any of the above-mentioned ground beef products stored in your freezer, the FSIS advises against consuming them. Instead, it is important to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Doing so will help prevent potential health risks.

Moreover, it is essential to note that no confirmed illness cases have been reported thus far in connection with this specific health alert. However, if you have consumed the ground beef and are experiencing any symptoms of illness, it is recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider immediately.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers is a priority, and that is precisely why this nationwide health alert has been issued concerning E. coli contamination in specific Greater Omaha ground beef products. By taking the necessary precautions and following the FSIS recommendations, we can collectively prevent any potential health risks associated with this incident.

Remember, staying informed and proactive during such situations is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones. Keep up to date with any further developments by visiting the FSIS website or seeking information from reliable sources. Stay safe and healthy!

Check out the article on The Hill regarding the E. Coli warning. https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/4610002-nationwide-health-alert-issued-for-ground-beef-over-potential-e-coli-risk/

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What is E. Coli?

-Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped coliform bacterium. – It is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. – Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some can cause food poisoning and contamination incidents. – Some strains of E. coli are beneficial to humans by producing vitamin or preventing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. – E. coli is expelled through fecal matter and grows rapidly for three days before declining.

E. coli and other bacteria make up only a small part of the gut microbiota, but can cause disease through fecal-oral transmission. They can be used as indicators to test for fecal contamination in the environment, and some strains can survive for days outside a host.

E. coli is a bacterium that has been extensively studied for over 60 years and can be easily and inexpensively grown in a lab. It is a chemoheterotroph and requires carbon and energy. E. coli is the most widely studied prokaryotic model organism and is significant in biotechnology and microbiology. It reproduces quickly, taking as little as 20 minutes under favorable conditions. (Wikipedia)

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