Kansas firm recalls 50,000 pounds of raw ground beef

Elizabeth Weise | USA TODAY

A Kansas company has recalled approximately 50,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday.

No illnesses have been reported linked to the consumption of the meat, which was produced by National Beef Packing Company of Liberal, Kan.

The beef was sold in 40 to 60 pound cases to retailers, wholesalers, and food service distributors nationwide, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a release. The product carries the establishment number "EST. 208A" Inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Where the meat was sold at the retail and wholesale level is unknown.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in severe cases, kidney failure. It is considered an adulterant in raw beef.

National Beef recalled 22,737 pounds of raw ground beef on June 18, also due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.

Calls to the company for comment were not returned Wednesday evening.