Public Health Alert In GA Due To E. Coli In Ground Beef

MARIETTA, GA — Ground beef possibly contaminated with E. Coli has triggered a public health alert in Cobb County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The alert was issued Thursday due to rare ground beef products sold by Bismillah Halal Meats, a Marietta-based butcher shop at Powers Ferry Road. Federal officials said the ground beef may contain Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. Coli.

The impacted products have been pulled from shelves but were sold from April 10-23 by Bismillah, federal officials said. They discovered the contamination of E. Coli from a sample that was collected and analyzed, federal officials said.

No one has reported being sickened from the ground beef, officials noted.

"FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase," federal officials said in a news release.

They added the affected ground beef was produced under retail exemption, meaning these products do not have an establishment number or a USDA mark of inspection.

E. coli symptoms on average appear three or four days after exposure to the bacteria, but people can become ill within a day or as late as 10 days after exposure. Symptoms can last for a week to 10 days.
Most people recover from E. coli infections on their own within five to seven days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised calling a health care provider for serious symptoms such as a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit; diarrhea that persists for more than three days and bloody diarrhea; and signs of dehydration, including infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat and feeling dizzy when standing up.

Federal officials said anyone with questions regarding the alert can call (404) 786-1356 or email Bismillah Halal Meats.