Ground beef recalled due to possible E. coli contamination

CNN
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Wolverine Packing Co. is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef shipped to restaurants due to possible E. coli contamination.

So far, 15 patients have been sickened in Minnesota, with illnesses starting from November 2nd to November 10th. US Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service said Wednesday.

Fresh products have a use-by date of November 14. Frozen products are labeled with a production date of 22 October. Products have a company number EST. 2574B in the USDA mark of inspection.

Items were shipped to restaurants nationwide, FSIS said, and it is concerned that some products may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. All products must be thrown away or returned and should not be eaten.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture notified FSIS on Nov. 13 of illnesses in people who had eaten ground beef. On Nov. 20, a sample of ground beef collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for E. coli O157.

People with E. coli infections may have symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually begin three or four days after swallowing the bacteria. Although most people who become ill recover without treatment within a week, others may develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalisation.

CNN has contacted Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. to get an answer.