CNN reports that Oklahoma company National Steak and Poultry is recalling 248,000 pounds of beef because of a possible e.coli contamination.
U.S. Agriculture Department officials said a cluster of illnesses involving the E. coli bacteria was reported in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington state.
The cases then were linked with beef the Owasso, Oklahoma, company produced in October, prompting the government to direct a Class I recall, indicating the highest risk of illness if the products are consumed.
On Thursday, National Steak and Poultry began a voluntary recall of 248,000 pounds of beef products marketed under its name as well as under names that include Carino's Boneless Beef and Moe's Beef Steak.
This latest E.coli outbreak was linked to steaks sent to restaurant chains and National Steak and Poultry's website says they deliver fully cooked and prepared food to "some of America's best known chains." Restaurants receiving the recalled meats have not been identified by the USDA or National Steak and Poultry. An E.coli outbreak linked to meat at a different company killed two people and sickened over two dozen others back in November.
