Penn. firm recalls beef due to possible E. coli

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Pennsylvania beef company is recalling about 259,230 lbs of beef products due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Friday.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have found several illnesses tied to steak products produced by HFX Inc. for Hoss's Family Steak and Sea Restaurants, a chain based in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said in a statement the illnesses are believed to be the result of eating rare or medium-rare steak at the restaurants March 24-March 29. Four of five people have been hospitalized, but none has developed kidney failure.

"Because the number of cases is small and the exposure period was several weeks ago, the health department believes the risk to Hoss's customers is low," the Pennsylvania Department of Health said.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Children, elderly and people with poor immune systems are the most susceptible.

USDA said 4,884 pounds were produced on various dates between April 5, 2007, and April 19, 2007, and were distributed to retail stores in Pennsylvania. The rest of the meat, 254,346 lbs, was distributed to restaurants in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

For more information on the recall go to:

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