Ill. meatpacker recalls ground beef

A meatpacker in Coal Valley, Illinois, recalled 95,898 pounds of ground-beef products after a "cluster" of E. coli infections connected to the product was discovered, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

The beef was produced by Valley Meats LLC in early March and distributed in 10-pound (4.5 kilograms) to 40-pound packages to consignees across the country, the USDA said today in a statement. The meat was sold under brand names such as 3S, Grillmaster, J&B, Klub, Thick 'N Savory, and Ultimate.

The recall followed an investigation into a "cluster" of illnesses caused by the E. coli bacteria in Ohio, the USDA said. Illnesses also have been reported in Illinois and Pennsylvania. The department did not say how many people had been sickened.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illnesses, the department said. Consumers who may have purchased the meat are encouraged to discard it.

Valley Meats did not respond immediately to a telephone call seeking comment.