About 717,000 pounds of beef recalled for possible E. coli

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Minneapolis firm is recalling about 717,000 pounds of frozen ground beef products, which were sold nationwide, because of possible E. coli contamination.

GFI American Inc. produced the ground beef between June 25 and July 16, the Agriculture Department said Thursday in announcing the recall.

The government has not received any reports of consumers falling ill from the recalled beef.

"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, diners may want to ask if their meals contain the recalled product," said William J. Hudnall, acting administrator of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The E. coli bacteria is found in the intestinal tracts and feces of livestock. If it contaminates meat, it can lead to digestive illnesses, dehydration and even death. The USDA advises people to only eat ground beef patties cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees.

For more information, call the USDA meat and poultry hotline at 1-800-535-4555 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. Or call GFI American at (612) 872-6262 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.