Cleveland, Ohio – A national health alert has been issued for ground beef products from Greater Omaha due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. This strain of Escherichia coli is known to cause severe intestinal infections in humans. The affected products were produced and packaged on March 28, 2024, with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024, and “EST.960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The ground beef was distributed to various restaurants and retail locations across the country.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the products subject to the health alert include various types of ground beef chubs and patties. The FSIS has provided detailed information on the affected products, which can be found on their website.

While a recall was not requested since the affected products are no longer for sale, the FSIS issued a health alert to inform consumers who may have the ground beef in their freezer. Consumers are advised not to consume the products and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. There have been no confirmed reports of illness related to this health alert.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It is recommended that individuals who experience these symptoms after consuming the recalled ground beef contact a healthcare provider. Severe cases of E. coli are more common in children under 5 years old and older adults. In serious cases, the infection can lead to kidney failure.

For questions regarding the health alert, consumers can contact Gina Adami, Representative of Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc., at 402-575-4702 or via email at gadami@gmail.com. Additionally, food safety inquiries can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or MPHotlin@usda.gov. Consumers can also report issues with meat, poultry, or egg products through the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System online.