Kroger Recalls Ground Beef Over E.coli Fears

Kroger Food Store, the largest American supermarket today announced a voluntary recall of its ground beef products following reports of links with the recent E.coli outbreaks. Over 35 cases of E.coli infections have been reported from Ohio and Michigan since recent weeks, of which at least 14 people have been hospitalized, the CDC said.

While the authorities are still tracking the possible source of contamination, the company, under its recall program is urging consumers to either discard or return all ground beef products purchased between May 21 and June 8 from Kroger stores throughout Michigan and in central and northern Ohio (Columbus and Toledo areas) for a refund. The recall involves all varieties, sizes and weights of products sold throughout the area.

Meanwhile, no ground beef product will be currently available for purchase, the company officials reported.

E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium that often spreads through food borne contamination, typically causes bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. The infection can occasionally lead to kidney failure, especially in young children, elderly people and those having weakened immune systemdefine.

An estimated 70,000 people suffer from the E.coli O157:H7 infection each year in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a thorough cooking of ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees (use a digital thermometer to be sure) is necessary to destroy and harmful bacteria.

Moreover, apart from maintaining complete personal hygiene, proper handling and storage of ground beef offers the best protection against the food-borne illness.