At least 19 people in Minnesota have become ill E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially contaminated ground beef, federal health officials said.

Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported several illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. The ground beef was sent to restaurants across the country.

Four of those who fell ill were hospitalized, including two people who developed a serious complication that can cause kidney failure, a Minnesota Health Department official said.

The infections occurred in people who had eaten hamburgers at the Red Cow restaurants in the Minneapolis and Rochester areas, as well as at the Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis.

So far, no illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota, according to the US Agriculture Department. People fell ill between November 2 and November 14. The investigation is ongoing.

E. coli is a type of bacteria found in the environment, including water, food, and in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many kinds of harmless E. coli, but a few types can make people seriously ill.

Symptoms usually appear quickly, within a few days of eating contaminated food. They can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea – including bloody diarrhea – and signs of dehydration. The infection can cause a type of severe kidney damage, especially in children younger than 5. People older than 65, who are pregnant or postpartum, or who have weakened immune systems are also at risk. E. coli poisoning in young children requires immediate medical attention.

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