Nationwide E. coli Contamination Warning Issued for Food Item

Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have issued a nationwide public health alert regarding ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

The alert, announced on Saturday, cautions consumers against consuming certain raw ground beef items produced on March 28, 2024. Identified with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024, and packaging date of “032824,” these products were distributed to food service institutions and retail locations nationwide.

The affected products bear establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. While a complete list of specific items to avoid can be found here, officials urge consumers to discard any ground beef matching the described criteria.

The issue was brought to light when the producing establishment discovered E. coli O157:H7 contamination during an inventory check of held product. Subsequently, a portion of the contaminated beef was inadvertently used to produce ground beef items, which were then distributed for sale.

Although no confirmed cases of illness have been reported in connection with the contaminated beef, FSIS stresses the seriousness of E. coli infection, which can lead to dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Despite the absence of a recall due to the unavailability of the affected items for purchase, consumers are strongly advised to dispose of any ground beef identified in the public health alert.