ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several state departments of health and the US Dept. of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are continuing their investigation of a multistate outbreak of E. coli O103 linked to ground beef.

There have been 196 reported cases in 10 states with 28 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak. So far, no deaths have been reported. Cases have been reported linked to various companies in Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida.

Some ground beef has been recalled, but more product contaminated with E. coli O103 may still be on the market or in freezers, according to FSIS.

Investigators continue to trace other sources of ground beef eaten by people who have become ill in connection with this outbreak, and more product contaminated with E. coli O103 may be recalled.

Consumers and restaurants should always handle and cook ground beef safely to avoid foodborne illness. Thoroughly cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill germs. Cook casseroles containing ground beef to 165°F. Never eat, serve, or sell recalled ground beef.