Four Minnesota cases of E. coli illness linked to Sam’s Club meat

"Food"

10/06/2007

Associated Press | October 6, 2007


MINNEAPOLIS -- Four children became ill from E. coli bacteria last month after eating ground beef patties purchased at three Sam's Club stores in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Minnesota Department of Health said Friday.

The Health Department said the children became ill between Sept. 10 and Sept. 20 after eating ground beef patties that were purchased frozen under the name "American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties" from Sam's Club stores in Eagan, Maple Grove and White Bear Lake.

"We can't be certain that meat from other stores is not involved, since the brand ... was likely sold at other Sam's Club locations," said Heidi Kassenborg, acting director of the Dairy and Food Inspection Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Sam's Club said in a statement that the patties were produced by Cargill Inc. beginning Aug. 26 and had an expiration date of Feb. 12, 2008. The patties were coded "UPC 0002874907056 Item 700141."

A Cargill spokesman contacted by The Associated Press said the company would have no comment until Monday.

Sam's Club said it voluntarily removed the product from its stores nationwide after the illnesses were reported. The company asked customers to return any remaining patties purchased after Aug. 26 to the store or destroy them.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is working with the federal Agriculture Department to determine the source of the product contamination.

Two of the children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and were hospitalized. One of those children remains hospitalized, the other has been discharged, the Health Department said.

Symptoms of E. coli illness include stomach cramps and diarrhea. People typically are ill for two to five days, but can develop complications including kidney failure. People who have developed such symptoms should contact their doctor, the Health Department said.