SoCal meat company recalls 3,170 pounds of beef

PICO RIVERA, Calif. — A Southern California meat producer has recalled 3,170 pounds of ground beef that might be contaminated with E. coli.

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service spokesman Richard McIntire said Monday that no illnesses have been reported from the bulk ground beef and patties sold by Pico Rivera-based American Food Service.

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The affected beef was produced on Jan. 31 and distributed to restaurants throughout Southern California under the "American Companies" label.

American Food Service supervisor Mario Hernandez did not return a call.

The USDA says department personnel learned of the problem from another federally regulated establishment that believed it had received suspect product.

E. coli is a potentially deadly germ that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.