E.coli-contaminated ground beef recalled

The FSIS said Fairbank Farms of Ashville, N.Y., initiated the recall because the ground beef might be contaminated with E.coli bacteria.

FSIS officials said they became aware of the problem while investigating a cluster of E.coli illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts.

The possibly contaminated ground beef products were sold by Trader Joes, Price Chopper, BJ's, Lancaster, Shaw's, Wild Harvest, Ford Brothers and Giant stores and also shipped to establishments in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia for further processing.

E.coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure and death.

Consumer with questions can contact Fairbank Farms at 877-546-0122.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.