Urgent Recall: 43,000 Pounds of Contaminated Ground Beef Released by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service

A public health alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service regarding nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The recall affects ground beef products produced in March and shipped to retailers and food service institutions nationwide.

The issue was discovered by Greater Omaha Packing Co. during an inventory check of products on hold for testing positive for E. coli. It was found that a portion of the contaminated beef was inadvertently used to produce ground beef products that were then shipped into commerce. The affected products have a packaging date of March 28, 2024, a use/freeze by date of April 22, 2024, and an establishment number of “EST. 960A.”

While there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the consumption of the beef, individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they have concerns. Symptoms of E. coli exposure can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The timing of the illness varies from one day to over a week after exposure.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has listed the specific ground beef products under the health alert, which includes all items produced by Greater Omaha Packing Co., including raw meat grinds and patties packaged in various sizes and formats for retail sales or food service institutions use