A Colorado company is recalling more than 41,000 pounds of beef sirloin and Black Angus beef out of fears it could be contaminated with a potentially deadly strain of E. coli.

Chandler Keys, spokesman for JBS Swift Beef Co. in Greeley, Colo., said the recall covers meat sold to retailers in 13 states, including Oregon, that was repackaged and sold under another label.

Some of the meat could have been ground, he said.

The company initiated the recall after tests turned up E. coli O157:H7, which is usually found in cattle feces. The bacterium can cause violent cramping and diarrhea and in some cases kidney failure which can bring lifelong complications or even death.

No illnesses have been linked to the recall.

Consumers should call stores about any beef sirloin or Black Angus beef they have to check if it came from JBS. If it did, they should throw it away and get a refund from the store.

This is the second E. coli O157:H7 recall in about a week. Last Friday, Nestle USA pulled 300,000 cases of Toll House cookie dough in a nationwide outbreak that has sickened more than 70, including a Gresham teen who was sick for three weeks.

The bacterium is only present on the surface of steaks and other cuts but when beef is ground, it can spread throughout the product, presenting a heightened risk.

Proper cooking kills bacteria, however. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises consumers to cook beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another recommendation: Always wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry and thoroughly clean cutting boards, utensils and dishes.

Consumers with questions should call the company's hotline at 800-555-7675 or check the USDA release here.

-- Lynne Terry; lynneterry@news.oregonian.com