A public health alert was issued this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for ground beef sold at La Michoacana Meat Market, in Greenville, Tex.
According to the alert, “a sample of the product tested positive for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7.”
Although recall was not requested – because there is no product currently available for sale to consumers – people may still have contaminated product they purchased previously. This raw ground beef was in store around Nov. 28.
“The product was packaged for consumers behind the meat counter in varying weights,” said the USDA.
A label reading “CARNE MOLIDA REGULAR/GROUND BEEF” with “Packed On” dates ranging Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2022, and “Sell By Dec. 1 2022” on the label would be found on potentially contaminated packages.
These items were sold at only one store, the La Michoacana Meat Market located at 5106 Wesley St., Greenville, Texas, 75402. The last date that the product was available for sale was Dec. 1, 2022.
“There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products,” said the USDA. “Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.”
In humans, the E. coli O157:H7 bacterium is potentially deadly. It can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps two to eight days after exposure. Although most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
“This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults,” the USDA explained. “It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”
Anyone who may have purchased the potentially contaminated beef should dispose of the product or return it to the market for disposal.
“FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F,” said the inspection service. “The only way to confirm that raw ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.”
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