USDA Issues Nationwide Alert for Ground Beef Contaminated with E. coli
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA) has issued a nationwide alert for ground beef sold throughout the U.S. that may be contaminated with E. coli.
Affected Products:
The affected products were produced on March 28, 2024, and have a use or freeze-by date of April 22, 2024. The products have the establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
No Illnesses Reported:
As of the time of the alert, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the contaminated ground beef.
Consumers and Food Service Institutions:
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged not to consume them. Food service institutions are urged not to serve the products. Affected products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Investigation and Recall:
The contamination was discovered by the beef’s producers during an inventory of product that was on hold due to a previous positive test for E. coli O157:H7. The products were not placed under a recall because they are no longer available for purchase.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection:
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear three to four days after consumption and can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit will kill off E. coli.
A full list of affected products is available on the USDA’s website.
