Nationwide ground beef recall is issued

WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the nationwide recall of approximately 95,898 pounds of possibly tainted ground beef products.

The FSIS said Valley Meats LLC, a Coal Valley, Ill., company, recalled the ground beef after learning it might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria,

Officials said several brands were involved in the recall, including 3S, Grillmaster, J & B, Klub, Thick 'N Savory and Ultimate. All of the recalled ground beef products bear the establishment number "EST. 5712" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture's mark of inspection.

The recalled products were distributed to various consignees nationwide.

The problem was discovered during an epidemiological investigation of illnesses conducted by the Ohio Department of Health. The FSIS said related illnesses have been reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.

Consumers with questions can contact the company at 309-799-7341.