On Saturday night, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service issued a public health alert regarding ground beef products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The alert did not specify which retail stores or food service institutions were affected, and Greater Omaha Packing Co. has not provided any further clarification on their website or social media platforms.
The contaminated beef was discovered during routine checks by the establishment and inadvertently used in the production of ground beef products that were subsequently sent to customers. This strain of E. coli can cause symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, stomachaches, and vomiting for up to a week. In severe cases, around 5-10% of infected individuals may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a form of kidney failure that can be fatal.
To ensure the safety of consumers, it is recommended to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The affected products, including ground chuck and rib-brisket-chuck blends, were produced on March 28 and have a use by or freeze by date of April 22. A list of the specific products involved was included in the USDA alert.
Consumers can contact Gina Adami at Greater Omaha Packing Company via email at gadami@gmail.com or by phone at 402-575-4702 for additional information about the public health alert.
