Kroger Recalls Ground Beef Possibly Linked to E. Coli Cases

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The Kroger supermarket chain is recalling an unspecified amount of its ground beef products that may be tied to an outbreak of E. coli illnesses in Ohio and Michigan, the Columbus Dispatch of Ohio reported.

The chain is recalling all varieties of ground beef sold between May 21 and June 8 at its locations in both states for possible contamination with E coli O157:H7.

The recall doesn't end an investigation into which of several Kroger suppliers may be responsible for the outbreak, "nor does it rule out the possibility that meat purchased elsewhere is contaminated," the newspaper said Thursday. The Kroger suppliers also distribute meat to other retailers.

Ohio health officials said they identified a genetic match between 17 illnesses in Ohio and 16 in Michigan to ground beef sold at a Kroger store in Gahanna, Ohio, the newspaper said.

E. coli O157:H7 infection can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible.