Possible E. coli contamination causes massive beef recall

Some 3,000 pounds of beef patties, freshly ground, were recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli. The company came from California and the merchandise was delivered to restaurants from South California.

The problem was made aware to the company when an establishment who had received the products, were suspected with contamination.

It was reported that some of the suspected beef patties from the California company were probably frozen in the restaurant freezers.

E. coli is the shortened term of its medical name, Escherichia Coli. It is bacteria normally present in the intestines of animals and humans. It is actually a bacterium which helps in breaking down and digesting the food in the gut. As long as a person is healthy, the E. coli in the body will remain as they are – good bacteria.

Cattle are often infected with E. coli and people who undercook ground beef, such as hamburger patties, are prone to getting the infection.

Being infected with E. coli will cause diarrhea, at times with blood in it. Subsequently, it will cause dehydration and stomach cramps. If left untreated, it may also cause kidney failure. Those who are immunologically compromised such as the very young and the very old, and those with immune problems, are the most vulnerable to this disease.

So far, there have yet to be reports of people getting sick from the recalled merchandise.