CHICAGO (STMW/WBBM) – A Chicago food company has recalled more than 200 pounds of ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, health officials announced Thursday.

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The ground beef patties were produced by Columbus Meat Market at 906 W. Randolph on Dec. 27 and shipped to food-handling establishments in the Chicago area, a release from the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture said.

Each package label bears the number “EST. 755″ and an identifying pack date of “12/27/10.”

The contamination was found through microbiological sampling which confirmed a positive result for E. coli, the release said.

The strand of E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and people with weak immune systems are most susceptible to foodborne illnesses, the release said.

Although IDOA and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the products, they are advising those concerned to contact a physician.

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