Ground Beef Recall Affects Five States; 16 Sick after Salmonella Outbreak

You may want to cook that burger a little longer. Federal health officials have said that at least 16 people across five states have been hit with a salmonella strain that's been linked to a tainted meat produced in the Metro Detroit area.

The meat, which has been traced to Jouni Meats Inc. in Sterling Heights and Gab Halal Foods in Troy, is quickly being recalled by companies. Jouni Meats recalled 500 pounds of beef products on Thursday, while Gab Halal Foods recalled 550 pounds on Friday.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of those who have contracted salmonella have been hospitalized. The states that have currently seen this strain of salmonella are Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Arizona. In addition, seven of the patients contracted the sickness from the same restaurant--Macomb County restaurant. They had all ordered a raw ground beef dish called kibbeh, which is typically made of finely ground meat, minced onions, and bulgar wheat.

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps which develop 12 to 72 hours after infection. Although the illness usually runs its course within a week, sometimes the symptoms become so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. It can be especially dangerous for children under five years of age, older adults and those who suffer weakened immune systems.

The CDC recommends that any beef purchased should be cooked thoroughly. In addition, anyone who purchased products made by the companies should discard them or return them to the place of purchase.

Currently, no deaths have been reported.