On November 24, 2007, American Foods Group, LLC, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, recalled various beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.

E.Coli 05157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause serious illness. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Very young children, the elderly, and persons with a weakened immune system are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Approximately 95,927 pounds of American Foods beef products are affected by the recall. A list of all recalled beef follows at the bottom of this article. Each product’s shipping label bears the establishment number “Est. 18076” inside the U.S.D.A. mark of inspection.

The recalled ground beef products were produced on October 10, 2007, and distributed to retail distributors and establishments in:

• Indiana,

• Kentucky,

• Maryland,

• Ohio,

• Tennessee,

• Wisconsin, and

• Virginia.

Some of the recommended “use by” dates have already expired and consumers can contact their retailers to see if recalled products in question were at stores.

There were reports of two illnesses linked to consumption of contaminated American Foods Group meat. These reports prompted an investigation by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which discovered the contamination.

Consumers are urged to discard any of the recalled products from their refrigerators and freezers. Those who believe they may be experiencing possible foodborne illness symptoms should contact a physician. Consumers may contact Sally VanderHei, executive assistant, at 1-800-829-2838, or “Ask Karen” about any food safety questions at askkaren.gov.

Source: U.S.D.A. Food Safety and Inspection Service Recall Release RISC-RC-054-2007, November 24, 2007.