Illnesses in US are linked to recalled beef

Health officials in three Western states said Friday (August 7) that at least 28 people had reported illnesses tied to recalled ground beef that might be tainted with salmonella.

Beef Packers Inc. of Fresno on August 6 recalled nearly 826,000 pounds of ground beef that was produced from June 5 to 23.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Agriculture Department said the beef was sent to retail distribution centres in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah, with some sold at Safeway Inc. and Sam's Club.

On Friday, the department affirmed that California, Colorado and Wyoming had reported illness linked to the recalled beef.

Colorado health officials said 21 people there had been sickened, and all were recovering. California officials said five people had reported feeling sick. Wyoming health officials reported that two people had fallen ill.

Officials are investigating other reported illnesses in Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota and Texas that may be linked to the same strain of salmonella, the Agriculture Department said.