Chicago wholesaler El Cubano recalls possibly tainted beef products

A Chicago wholesale meat company is recalling nearly 170,000 pounds of meat products that may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause illness.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the recall Thursday of meat that may be tainted with a dangerous type of E. coli bacteria. The recall affects beef cheek products distributed to stores and restaurants in Chicago by El Cubano Wholesale Meats.

The products are labeled “For Cooking Only” and bear the establishment number “EST. 4653a” inside an inspection mark. They also are labeled “Iowa Best Beef.”

The problem was discovered by Department of Agriculture inspectors. The agency believes some product may be in freezers in restaurants and retail stores.