1.8 million pounds of ground beef recalled over E. coli risk

DETROIT (WABC) -- Wolverine Packing Company is recalling about 1.8 million pounds of ground beef due to possible E. coli contamination.

The Detroit-based company says the affected products were produced between March 31 - April 18 of this year. They have the establishment number "EST. 2574B" and a production date code in the format "Packing Nos: MM DD 14" between "03 31 14" and "04 18 14."

The ground beef products were distributed to restaurants in Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says it was notified about E. coli illnesses on May 12 and determined a link between the cases and the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Company. The department says there were 11 patients in four states.

Health officials say E. coli can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. They advise consumers to safely prepare raw meat products.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Wolverine Packing Company at (800) 521-1390.