E. Coli Outbreak Affects Nearly 2 Million Pounds Of Beef

Approximately 1.8 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled by the Michigan-based Wolverine Packing Company for potential E. Coli contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on May 19th. E. Coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can lead to kidney failure.

The ground beef products were produced between March 31st and April 18th, and were shipped to distributors for restaurant use in Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.

So far, the FSIS has identified 11 people across four states who have been made ill by the contaminated beef, with onset dates ranging from April 22, 2014 to May 2, 2014. 

The FSIS cautions that E. Coli can cause "dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps" that lasts between two and eight days after exposure.

However, "while most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)." Symptons of kidney failure include easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Older adults and children under the age of five are at higher risk for HUS.

Updated information will be posted by the FSIS as it becomes available, including the retail distribution list

Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.