GREEN BAY, WI — More than 1 million pounds of ground beef that was sent to stores in 15 states has been recalled by American Foods Group following an outbreak of E. Coli in Minnesota.

Officials at American Foods Group decided to implement the recall after consulting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, even though there have been no tests to confirm the company’s meat was contaminated. The meat involved in the recall was

“Although no product that came directly from our facility has been found to be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7, circumstantial evidence raises the possibility that recent serious illnesses may be related to our product,” said Carl Kuehne, owner and CEO of American Foods Group.

States affected by the recall are: Florida; Georgia; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kentucky; Michigan; Minnesota; North Carolina; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Texas; Virginia; and Wisconsin. The beef involved in the recall was produced at American Foods Group Green Bay plant.

The Minnesota Department of Health has linked 22 illnesses related to E. coli 0157:H7 to ground beef purchased at eight Cub Food stores. The illnesses have been confined to the Minnespolis-St.Paul area. Officials expect the number of illnesses to increase.