Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co., a Ferrisburg, Vermont company, recalled on Friday approximately 2,758 pounds of ground beef products following 10 reports of E. coli illnesses associated with consumption of these products. The problem was discovered through a joint investigation with the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Vermont Department of Health.

The recalled products included all 5-pound vacuum packages of VT BURGER CO GROUND BEEF produced on September 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22. The products were bearing the establishment number “EST. 9558” as well as a lot code of 090508A, 090808A, 091208A, 091908A or 092208A.

The products were intended for restaurants, food services and institutional use located in Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York. Therefore, they were not available for direct retail purchase.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has received 10 confirmed reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of food borne illness should get in touch with their health care providers in order to get help. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a dangerous strain responsible for many human illnesses. It can lead to ailments such as bloody diarrhea, liver and kidney damage and sometimes can even cause death. Infants, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to the illness. E. coli was fist discovered in 1982. Since then, it affects an estimated 70,000 people in the United States each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.