US Warns Of E. Coli Risk With Eating Ground Beef: How To Keep Yourself Amid USDA Warning

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli (Escherichia coli.)

The products, which were produced in March, were distributed to food service institutions and retailers across the country.

These products, which carry a packaging date of “032824” and a Use/Freeze by date of Apr. 22, were shipped to various food service institutions and retailers nationwide. The products also bear the establishment number “EST. 960A,” which can be found inside the USDA mark of inspection.

While the potential risk of illness is present, there have been no reports thus far. Consumers who have previously bought these products are advised not to consume or serve them.

However, the FSIS has advised anyone concerned about illness to contact their healthcare provider.

But what exactly is E. coli and how can you stay protected? Here's everything you need to know.

What Is E. coli?

E. coli are bacteria that are commonly found in the environment, foods, and the intestines of people and animals, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, and pneumonia.

This is caused by some strains of E. coli that make Shiga toxin. These bacteria are called "Shiga toxin-producing E. coli," or STEC for short.

5 Ways To Stay Protected From E. coli Infections

The types of E. coli that can cause illness are transmitted through contaminated water or food or contact with animals or people. The CDC notes that some E. coli infections can be severe or life-threatening.

Here are five ways you can stay protected from E. coli infections:

1.  Check Your Risk Level

Check what is your personal risk level.

Individuals at increased risk of foodborne illness include pregnant women, newborns, children, elderly individuals, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS.

2. Follow Four Steps To Food Safety

Follow the four steps to food safety, every time – clean, separate, cook, and chill.

• Make sure your hands, utensils, surfaces, and food items are clean before you cook them.
• Keep different types of food and their utensils separate.
• Make sure you cook food to the right temperature. Use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached the right internal temperature.
• Make sure you refrigerate perishable food items within two hours.

3. Proper Hygiene Is A Must

Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, changing diapers, handling animals, preparing or eating food, and before touching infants or toddlers, their mouths, or their pacifiers.

4. Cook Meats Thoroughly

Ensure the safety of cooked meats by following recommended temperature guidelines.

Cook beef steaks and roasts to at least 145°F and let them rest for 3 minutes after cooking. Ground beef and pork should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Always use a food thermometer to confirm these temperatures as visual appearance alone cannot determine if meat is safely cooked.

5. Avoid These Things

Avoid consuming raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, and juices. Also, make sure you don't swallow water while swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, beaches, and streams.

This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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