Why was ground beef recalled in the US over possible E coli contamination?

At least 19 E coli cases have been reported in Minnesota, just weeks after a an outbreak linked to McDonald’s.

The United States has been experiencing a series of E coli outbreaks in products ranging from onions to, most recently, ground beef.

More than 167,000 pounds (75.75 tonnes) of ground beef have been recalled after people fell sick from eating hamburgers at restaurants with a common meat supplier.

Here’s what to know about the current outbreak and the bacteria.

Escherichia coli, commonly shortened to E coli, is a bacterium found in the environment, intestines of people and animals, and food. While most strains are harmless, some, like E coli O157:H7, can cause serious illness, and even death.

This strain produces toxins that can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and complications, including damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys. Children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable to E coli.