Despite millions of dollars spent on food safety research over the last 10 years, ground beef recalls due to E. coli O157:H7 were higher in 2007 than in 2006, according to researchers from Kansas State University and West Texas A&M University. E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to foodborne illnesses in humans after consuming contaminated beef and produce.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for approximately 41,305 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, that were produced at Interstate Meat Dist., Inc., a Clackamas, Ore., establishment.