Ground Beef Sold In Massachusetts Recalled Over E. Coli Risk

MASSACHUSETTS — On Monday, a New-Jersey-based company recalled more than 120,000 pounds of ground beef products that had been shipped across the country - including to Massachusetts - over possible E. coli contamination, according to an alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The recalled items were produced between Feb. 3 and March 5 according to the alert. The contamination was discovered during routine testing of products. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness, the alert said.

The products subject to the recall bear establishment number "EST. 46841" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The complete list of products and product codes subject to recall can be found here.

Meanwhile, labels for the ground beef products can be found here. Affected products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Most people recover within a week, but on rare occasions, some develop a more severe infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Lakeside Refrigerated Services at 800-493-9042 or customercare@lakesiderefrigerated.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854, live chat via Ask USDA or email MPHotline@usda.gov.