CNN
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Wolverine Packing Co. is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef shipped to restaurants due to possible E. coli contamination.

So far, 15 patients have been reported sick in Minnesota, with illnesses beginning between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service said Wednesday.

Fresh products have an expiration date of November 14. Frozen products are labeled with the production date of October 22. Products have a location number EST. 2574B in the USDA mark of approval.

The items have been shipped to restaurants across the country, FSIS said, and they are concerned that some of the products are in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. All products must be thrown away or returned and not eaten.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture notified FSIS on Nov. 13 of illnesses in people who had eaten ground beef. On November 20, a sample of ground beef collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for E. coli O157.

People with E. coli infections may have symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually begin three or four days after ingesting the bacteria. Although most people who become ill recover within a week without treatment, others may develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization.

CNN has contacted Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. for a response.