E.coli O157:H7 bacteria: It's What's For Dinner (Colorado meat co. recalls 380,000 lbs of beef)

[Amerigo Vespucci]

U.S. beef recall expanded, 18 illnesses suspected
Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:58am EDT

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A Colorado meat company is expanding a recall of beef due to possible contamination by E.coli O157:H7 bacteria after an investigation found 18 illnesses may be linked to the meat, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Sunday.

Greeley, Colorado-based JBS-Swift Beef Co is voluntarily expanding its June 24 recall to include about 380,000 lbs of assorted beef products, USDA said. The original recall was for 41,280 lbs.

The affected beef was produced on April 21 and was distributed nationally and internationally.

E.coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and, in severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors, and persons with weak immune systems are at the most risk.

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