E. Coli Link Prompts Ground Beef Recall

An illness linked to E. coli contamination has prompted the recall of about 250,000 pounds of ground beef and frozen patties distributed nationwide and in Puerto Rico.

The meat was produced April 2 by Jac Pac Foods of Manchester, N.H., which recalled the meat voluntarily. A boy in Monroe County, N.Y., became ill after eating a hamburger made with the meat, state officials said.

The meat was sold through BJ’s Wholesale Club stores.

E. coli O157 can cause serious illness and sometimes death, especially in children and the elderly. Symptoms include chills and bloody diarrhea.

The recalled products are packaged in 5-pound and 10-pound boxes bearing “EST 785” within the Agriculture Department’s seal of inspection.