Investigation closes at Carneco

The federal investigation into Carneco Foods of Columbus has been closed.
Early in August, 497,000 pounds of ground beef were voluntarily recalled by the local plant after the Minnesota Department of Health reported five cases of E. coli 0517:H7 infection that were traced back to meat processed in Columbus and sold through Sam’s Club locations.
Minnesota Department of Health officials did not have readily available a current total of the number of people who became ill after eating the ground beef products.
Carneco Divisional Vice President of Operations John Schaller of Oklahoma City said the list of possible suppliers of the contaminated meat has been shortened, but the point of origin is still being determined.