Big Beef Recall Hits Washington Before Memorial Day

SEATTLE, WA — Thousands of pounds of beef are being recalled over possible E. coli contamination, just two days before one of the biggest grilling weekends of the summer. The recall includes about 62,000 pounds of various beef cuts sold nationwide, including in Washington, since late April.

Federal health officials announced Wednesday that Aurora Packing Company in Illinois had recalled raw beef products that were packaged April 19. The recalled products contain the establishment number "EST. 788" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture's mark of inspection.

There have been no reported cases of people failing sick, but federal health officials are urging consumers to check the labels. The tainted beef includes cuts of steaks, including ribeyes, ribs and briskets. Click here to see the labels.

A list of specific states where the products were shipped wasn't immediately available. The USDA said the beef was distributed nationwide.

A random sample test uncovered the possible E. Coli contamination, the USDA said.
Anyone who bought the beef should throw it out or return it to the place of purchase.

The recall was made on the same day that King County closed a beach at Magnuson Park due to E. coli building in Lake Washington. Escherichia coli, abbreviated as E. coli, are bacteria found in the environment, food and intestines of people and animals, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most strains are harmless but some can cause you to fall ill and experience diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and pneumonia, among other symptoms.

Patch staffers Dan Hampton and Shannon Antinori contributed to this report.