Over 83 tons of ground beef recalled nationwide, illnesses reported: USDA

WASHINGTON (WKBN) - Approximately 83.5 tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled about 167,277 pounds of beef products, which were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.

The recalled fresh items have a use-by date of Nov. 14, while the frozen products have an Oct. 22 production date. According to the alert, the affected products have the establishment number “EST. 2574B." The USDA has lists of affected products and labels.

According to the alert, the problem was discovered when the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) notified the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of a group of people who had reported getting sick after eating ground beef. On Wednesday, a ground beef sample that the MDA collected as part of an outbreak investigation was found to be positive for E. coli O157.

So far, 15 people in one state -- Minnesota -- have been identified with illnesses that began from Nov. 2 to Nov. 10. The USDA said that the FSIS was continuing to work with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

According to the USDA, E. coli O157:H7 is a "potentially deadly bacterium" with symptoms that include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Infection is most common in children under 5 and older adults, and the duration of the symptoms can range from two to eight days, with an average of three to four days.

In addition, the agency said, some people can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). People who experience symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

The USDA urged customers to throw the products away and restaurants not to sell them. According to the press release, consumers should only eat ground beef cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Consumers are also advised to use a food thermometer when cooking ground beef -- whether fresh or frozen -- to confirm it has reached a safe temperature.