Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is advising Georgians to check their freezers for certain ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The patties are being voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer, Emmpak Foods, Inc. of Butler, Wisconsin.

The patties being recalled bear the establishment number "EST. 924A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Product distributed at the retail level is labeled "Hamburger Patties 100% Pure Beef", packaged in 10-pound cases and marked with a case code beginning "2940."

Also recalled are patties sold at the wholesale level labeled "Steak n' Shake" brand "BEEF STEAKBURGER (CHOPPED AND FORMED)", packaged in 16-pound cases and marked with a date code starting with "PACKED ON W 02-08-01."

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Children, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible.