Nebraska Beef recalls about 532,000 pounds of beef

The federal government said late Monday that some of the Omaha-based company's beef was sold by grocer Kroger Co., and investigators traced the meat to Nebraska Beef after 38 people in Ohio and Michigan became ill. Kroger already recalled beef it sold in those states.

Much of the beef that Nebraska Beef is recalling was sold to wholesalers or other processing companies, so it may be difficult for consumers to determine if they have any of the beef.

Beef involved in the recall went to businesses in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Nebraska Beef spokesman Bill Lamson said the company, which slaughters about 1,000 cattle a day, decided to recall its product as a precaution. He said government officials contacted Nebraska Beef over the weekend.

Lamson said Nebraska Beef was not Kroger's only beef supplier.

The recall involves beef trim produced on five different dates between May 16 and June 24.

USDA spokeswoman Amanda Eamich said the investigation into the illnesses reported in Michigan and Ohio is ongoing.

"We hope that consumers are more vigilant in safely preparing their hamburgers," Eamich said.