CDC Investigates E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Ground Beef

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opened an investigation into a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef from the Massachusetts-based Adams Farm Slaughterhouse.

The slaughterhouse recalled beef, veal and bison after 7 people across four states reported E. coli infections that were traced back to the facility, the CDC announced on Saturday. Three people were infected in Massachusetts, while 2 cases were reported in Connecticut. Pennsylvania and West Virginia each had 1 case of the infection.

Five people have been hospitalized so far, the CDC said. Interviews with infected people revealed they had eaten ground beef from Adams Farms Slaughterhouse in the week before they became sick.

The recalled products were shipped to farmers’ markets, retail locations and restaurants in Massachusetts, Connecticut and eastern New York, and some products may have been shipped to neighboring states, the CDC said in a statement.

Those who bought packages of meat with the affected case codes should safely throw the meat out or return it to the seller, the CDC advised.