Illinois company recalls beef for possible E. coli contamination

COAL VALLEY, Ill. (AP) _ J & B Meats Corp. is recalling about 65,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. <br><br>Three people became ill after eating catered hamburgers

Thursday, June 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

COAL VALLEY, Ill. (AP) _ J & B Meats Corp. is recalling about 65,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Three people became ill after eating catered hamburgers made from the meat earlier this month in eastern Iowa said Kevin Teale, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The meat was packaged May 13 and distributed to hotels, restaurants and institutions nationwide. None was sold in grocery stores. Each case has a seven digit code ending with 213052, and the code EST. 9156S inside the USDA seal of inspection.

E. coli can cause serious illness and sometimes death. Symptoms include chills and bloody diarrhea.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact the company at (800) 522-7345.