Beef Recall: Kansas Company Recalls 50,000 Pounds of Product due to Possible E. Coli Contamination

A Kansas company is recalling approximately 50,000 pounds of ground beef products over fear that it may be contaminated with E. coli.

The National Beef Packing Co. products that were shipped nationwide may be contaminated with E. coli o157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The National Beef Packing Co. reported via an online statement Wednesday that they're conducting "a voluntary recall for NatureSource Natural Beef, Naturewell Natural Beef and National Beef commodity ground beef."

According to the company, the meet was produced on July 18 and has a use by/freeze by date of August 7.

"We are working closely with authorities to investigate this matter and are contacting our customers who have purchased this product," the company added.

According to The Mayo Clinic, there are many strains of E. coli, but only a few trigger dangerous symptoms. However, an infection from a source with E. Coli can spread from food and water or person-to-person contact. 

Symptoms surrounding an E. coli infection often include severe stomach cramps and stomach tenderness, diarrhea that may be watery at first and can become bloody after, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can also become more severe if they are not treated, resulting in blood and kidney problems, and possibly kidney failure.

The product that may be contaminated carries the USDA mark of inspection and bears the establishment number "EST. 208A." Various reports have shown that the possibility of contamination was raised during a routine Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that every year, 76,000 people are infected with E. coli. Make sure to watch out for these products and others that you think could potentially be contaminated, and if you show any of the above symptoms, seek medical help immediately.