Costco recalls ground beef due to E. coli

E. coli
This photo taken at the NDSU Electron Microscopy Facility shows E. coli bacteria magnified 100,000 times, attaching to each other as a biofilm starts to form.
Courtesy of NDSU

Costco is recalling lean fresh ground beef that was sold to 342 customers at its Coon Rapids location last month because the product could be contaminated with a dangerous strain of E. coli bacteria.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the recall affects 383 units of 88 percent lean fresh ground beef sold between Sept. 4 and Sept. 7.

One person became ill late last month from E. coli O157:H7, and Minnesota officials confirmed a link to the ground beef.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Health are continuing to investigate the contaminated product. Officials said Costco has been trying to reach customers who purchased the ground beef.

E. coli O157:H7 can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Older adults and children under 5 are more likely to suffer from complications from the illness, which can lead to kidney failure.

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