E. Coli Cases in MN Linked to Ground Beef Served at Red Cow

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - E. Coli illnesses in Minnesota have been linked to burgers prepared at Red Cow restaurants.

A news release from the Minnesota Department of Health says it has identified 10 cases of the gastrointestinal infection in the Twin Cities among people who had eaten burgers at multiple locations of the popular restaurant chain, which has locations in the Twin Cities and in Rochester. Officials also listed one additional case involving a person who had dined at Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis.

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The State health department says the ground beef product linked to the illnesses was also distributed to other establishments, which means it is possible that there will be additional cases of E. Coli illness associated with other businesses.

The news release says the cases reported to the Department of Health occurred after the patients reported eating meals between October 31 and November 7 and becoming ill starting on November 4 and continuing through November 9. The people affected range in age from 9 to 70 years of age and two people have been hospitalized.

Officials say the owners of Red Cow and Hen House Eatery have fully cooperated with the investigation and have made multiple changes that include product changes to prevent further illnesses.

The health department says symptoms of E. Coli illness, which is often the result of consuming undercooked ground beef, typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools, but only a low-grade or no fever. The symptoms typically show up 2 to 5 days after exposure but the onset could come earlier or later. Most people recover in 5 to 10 days, but the infection can lead to severe complications involving kidney failure and other major health issues.