WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- The Wolverine Packing Co. in Detroit recalled approximately 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said the recalled ground beef products were were produced from March 31 to April 18 and shipped to distributors for restaurant use in Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio.
The FSIS was notified that people had been ill from E. coli O157:H7 -- a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps for two to eight days -- on May 12. The federal agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and the illness cluster. An epidemiological investigation found 11 patients in four states with illness dates April 22 to May 2.
Most healthy people recover from E. coli within a week, but some can develop kidney failure. The very young and the very old are most at risk. Those who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately, the FSIS said.
People who experience symptoms of easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output should seek emergency medical care immediately.
The recalled products have an establishment number "EST. 2574B" and a production date code in the format between "03 31 14" and "04 18 14." A full list of the recalled product is avaiable.
Consumers can call 1-800-521-1390 for more information.
