100,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Over E. Coli According to the USDA, the issue was discovered on November 15. Raw ground beef samples tested positive for E. Coli. the variety of beef products were produced on Oct. 24. Majority of the beef affected were "blue ribbon BEEF" and bulk pallets of Swift Ground Beef There have been no confirmed reports of anyone getting sick from the contaminated products. E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.