(LEGAFI) -- Tyson Foods has issued a recall of 131,000 pounds of ground beef products due to a potential risk of E. coli contamination that has been linked to several illnesses in Ohio. The Tyson ground beef recall also covers ground meat sold under the Kroger Brand, Butcher’s Brand, and under a generic label.

The Tyson ground beef recall was issued after the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service investigated several cases of E. coli illness in Ohio and found that leftover ground beef from the patients’ homes tested positive for E. coli.

The Tyson ground beef recall covers ground beef chubs sold under the Kroger brand, Butcher's Brand, and under a generic label, all carrying a "BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY" date of "SEP 12 2011" and the establishment number "245D" printed on the package seams.

Specific products being recalled include:
 
5 lb. chub – Kroger Quality Guaranteed Ground Beef 73% Lean 27% Fat  
3 lb. chub – Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef, Ground Beef 73% Lean 27% Fat
3 lb. chub – Ground Beef 73% Lean 27% Fat (Printed film for retail)

A list of retail stores that received the recalled ground beef can be found here.

Government officials strongly encourage consumers to check their freezers and immediately discard any product subject to this recall.

E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to risk, the USDA said.

Consumers with questions about the Tyson ground beef recall may call Tyson Consumer Relations at (866) 328-3156.