July 2, 2008

Omaha-based Nebraska Beef is recalling about 532,000 pounds of ground beef products due to an E.coli scare, according to the USDA on Monday (June 30, 2008).

The affected beef was distributed to processing plants in Colorado, Nebraska and Texas and to wholesalers in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania, USDA said.

The agency said the ground beef products were produced between May 19, 2008 and June 24, 2008. Shipping containers and product labels have the establishment number "EST.19336" inside the USDA inspection mark.

US retail giant Kroger had recalled its ground beef products earlier on due to E.coli and beef samples collected from patients in Michigan and Ohio have identified Nebraska Beef as the supplier.

More than 30 people have fallen ill after consuming the beef.

E. coliis a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and even kidney failure in humans.