E.coli bacteria concern leads to ground beef recall

Potential E.coli bacteria contamination has prompted a Detroit-based meatpacking plant to recall approximately 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the decision today on behalf of Wolverine Packing Company. Federal officials received 11 different reports of meat-related illnesses in four separate states last Monday. The products in question were shipped to distribution companies in Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio.

Wolverine officials note that the recall only affects restaurants and has nothing to do with retail hamburgers bought in grocery stores. They also point out that all of the illnesses came from undercooked beef, so those who choose to order their meals rare should think twice.

E.coli bacteria are killed if meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees or higher. The recall affects ground beef sold between March 31st and April 18th with a freshness expiration date of May 11th, so officials say it would have been, or should have been, used already.