A Wyalusing, Pa., company called Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling about 8,500 pounds of ground beef for fears over possible E. coli contamination.
Two people in Maine and one person in New York became sick as a result of contamination by the E. coli O26 strain. The illnesses were reported in late June and early July, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
None of the people who became sick required hospitalization.
The recalled ground beef products bear an establishment code, "Est. 9400," on the USDA's inspection mark. The meats were produced on June 11, 2010, and shipped to Connecticut and Maryland distribution centers. The beef has a use/freeze-by date of July 1.
The USDA says that certain BJ's Wholesale Club stores in a number of East Coast states received the ground beef -- including Maryland and Virginia.
The govermnet has issued a Class 1 recall, meaning that using the meats may cause serious harm or death. The E. coli O26 strain can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and even kidney failure.
If you find ground beef in your freezer that fits the recall description, return it to the butchershop or meat counter where you purchased it.
