Beef Recalled Because of E. coli Risk

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Nebraska Beef Ltd. Recalls More Than 531,000 Pounds of Beef Linked to Michigan, Ohio E. coli Outbreak

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

July 1, 2008 — Nebraska Beef Ltd. of Omaha, Neb., is recalling about 531,700 pounds of beef used to make ground beef because of the risk of E. coli.

The recalled beef was included in the Kroger brand ground beef samples collected by Michigan and Ohio health officials from patients who came down with E. coli infection.

E. coli bacteria can cause diarrhea, which may be bloody, as well as stomach cramps and vomiting. Most people recover within five to seven days, but some cases may be severe or life-threatening; infants, elders, and people with weak immune systems are particularly at risk.

Last week, Kroger recalled ground beef in Michigan and parts of Ohio.

The beef recalled by Nebraska Beef Ltd. wasn't sent to retailers. Instead, it was sent for further processing or to wholesalers in May and June.

Consumers with questions about the recall should call James Timmerman, Nebraska Beef's vice president of administration, at 402-733-0456, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

SOURCES: News release, U.S. Department of Agriculture. WebMD Health News: "E. coli Outbreak May Be Tied to Beef."

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