According to Agence France Presse, minced meat sold in the popular Leclerc supermarket chain in France has left at least 17 people with severe gastrointestinal problems because of E. coli contamination.
All but one of the victims were children. They were rushed to the hospital and some are being treated in intensive care.
Ten of the children have a related complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome – a potentially fatal condition where red blood cells are destroyed and kidneys fail.
The contaminated meat was traced back to frozen patties sold under the brands Chantegril and Marque Repere. The contamination appeared to have come from beef slaughter and preparation company Soviba.
The products are being recalled and consumers alerted.