October 13, 2011

Los Angeles firm recalls ground beef over possible E. coli

A potential E. coli contamination has led to a Los Angeles company recalling more than 375,000 pounds of ground beef products that were shipped to restaurants in California and Nevada.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said on Tuesday (Oct 11) that routine monitoring confirmed a positive test for E. coli in the meat from Commercial Meat Co.

No illness has been reported so far.

All cases of ground beef products bearing the number "EST.4873" inside the USDA mark of inspection are being recalled. The possibly contaminated beef was produced between September 7 and October 6.

E. coli is a bacterium that is potentially deadly, especially for young children, seniors and people with weak immune systems. It can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in severe cases, kidney failure.