A total of 19 individuals in Minnesota have been affected by E. coli contamination linked to a nationwide recall of over 167,000 pounds of potentially compromised ground beef, as confirmed by federal health authorities.
Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, initiated the recall after Minnesota state agricultural officials identified multiple cases of illness and confirmed that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a strain known to cause severe infections. The tainted ground beef was distributed to various restaurants across the country.
Among the affected individuals, four required hospitalization, with two experiencing a serious complication that could lead to kidney failure, according to a representative from the Minnesota health department.
The reported cases of infection were linked to the consumption of hamburgers at Red Cow restaurants in the Minneapolis and Rochester areas, as well as the Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis.
As of now, no instances of illness have been reported outside of Minnesota, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The affected individuals developed symptoms between November 2 and November 14, and the investigation is ongoing.
E. coli is a type of bacteria present in various environments, including water, food, and the intestines of both humans and animals. While many strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause severe illness.
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Symptoms of E. coli poisoning typically manifest within a few days of consuming contaminated food and may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea (which could be bloody), dehydration, and signs of serious kidney damage. Children under 5 years old are particularly vulnerable to severe kidney issues as a result of E. coli poisoning, necessitating immediate medical attention. Individuals over 65, pregnant or post-partum women, and those with weakened immune systems are also at increased risk.
By Jonel Aleccia
