Frozen Burger Recall Prompted by E. Coli Outbreak

ELIZABETH, N.J., Sept. 27 -- Nearly two dozen illnesses from frozen hamburgers apparently tainted with Escherichia coli O157:H7 have prompted a meat company to recall more than 300,000 pounds of ground beef.

Topps Meat Company announced the recall this week after the CDC said 21 people in eight states had fallen ill after eating burgers that might have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

Two cases in New York and one in Florida are confirmed as being linked to the ground beef, and 18 others are under investigation, the CDC said.

State health officials in New York said six people became sick in the state and three required hospital care. They are all recovering.

According to the USDA, the recall affects 331,582 pounds of frozen beef patties that were distributed in the New York City area and across the country. They were produced in June or July and carried the phrase "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and malaise. Some patients, especially the very young and those with compromised immune systems, are at risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome, leading to acute kidney failure.

The E. coli O157:H7 toxin has also been linked to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a life-threatening multisystem condition that mainly occurs in adults.