More than 60,000 pounds of ground beef produced by the National Beef Packing Co. have been recalled because of the risk of E. coli food poisoning. 

According to the USDA, E. coli 0157:H7 was detected during a routine inspection of meat produced at the National Beef Packing Co. location in Dodge City. The recall affects 60,424 pounds of National Beef ground beef chubs produced on July 23, 2011, with a Freeze by Date of August 12, 2011, and ground beef chubs produced on July 25, 2011 with a Freeze by Date of August 14, 2011. All of the affected beef has an establishment number “Est. 262? in the USDA mark of inspection.

The meat was shipped to Kroger, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Winn Dixe and Publix stores nationwide, and may have been repackaged for sale to consumers. As of now, there have been no reports of food poisoning cases linked to the contaminated meat. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ website.

E. coli O157:H7 is one of the more common causes of food poisoning in the United States. Symptoms of food poisoining include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and low fever. While most people get better within five to seven days, the infection can be life threatening for young children and elderly people.