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E. coli Outbreak May Be Linked To Kroger Ground Beef

Outbreak is centered in Michigan, Ohio

June 26, 2008

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Health departments in Michigan and Ohio are trying to track the origin of a new outbreak of E. coli, while Kroger stores in those states have recalled all ground beef sold in certain stores as a precaution.

So far, as many as 17 people have gotten sick in Ohio after eating ground beef, while 15 others in Michigan were also stricken. In a statement, the Michigan Department of Health reported more than half of that state's residents affected by E. coli reported buying and eating ground beef from Kroger.

A spokeswoman for Kroger said the ground beef was in the stores from late May through early June, and at this point all that was remaining has been removed. Kroger's Megham Glynn in Cincinnati said the company is working with both state and federal food safety investigators.

The Ohio illnesses, so far, have been limited to the Columbus and Toledo areas, officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreaks in the two states appear to be linked.

E. coli 0157:H7 is an especially toxic strain that can cause severe illness, and on occasion, even death. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people get better within 15 days, but some cases can lead to kidney failure.

The CDC estimates that there could be about 70,000 infections with E. coli O157:H7 each year in the U.S., but no one knows for use because many of those who get sick don't see a doctor.

The last major E. coli-related beef recall came last October, when Cargill, one of the largest U.S. food producers, recalled 840,000 pounds of ground beef. The previous month Topps Meat Company recalled 22 million pounds of frozen beef patties, forcing the company into bankruptcy.

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