JBS Swift is recalling 41,280 pounds of possibly tainted beef products produced at its Greeley meatpacking plant in late April, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

The USDA said the recall includes sirloin products produced on April 21 and April 22 that were shipped to distributors and retail establishments in Colorado, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

The possible contamination of the products with E. coli was discovered through microbiological sampling "and an investigation into the distribution of other products," the USDA said.

The USDA said the suspected contaminant, E. coli O157:H7, is a "potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician."

The USDA has rated the recall as a "Class 1 Recall" with a "high" health risk. Chandler Keys, spokesman for JBS Swift, did not respond to telephone calls for comment before the Business Report Daily's publication deadline.