NEW YORK, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- About 167,200 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products are being recalled over E. coli concerns, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service announced earlier this week.
Over 100 products manufactured by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. are subject to recall after illnesses were reported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, according to the USDA.
A group of people in the state reported that they consumed ground beef before becoming sick, prompting an investigation. Testing later confirmed the presence of E. coli in a beef sample taken from Wolverine Packing Co., according to a USA Today report of the development.
While the products were distributed to restaurants nationwide, 15 cases of E. coli poisoning have been identified in just Minnesota, with illness onset dates ranging from Nov. 2 to 10, said the USDA. Affected products could still be in restaurant refrigerators and should be immediately disposed of, warned the agency.
The recall covers over 100 raw fresh and frozen ground beef products. Products are sold under other brand names in addition to Wolverine Packing Co., including 1855 Beef, Davis Creek Meals, Farmer's Choice, Heritage Restaurant Brands, and Cheney Brothers, Inc., according to a list of labels released by the USDA.
Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of people and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if consumed. According to the USDA, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, the report said.
