It really is frightening. Just twelve days into the new year, and already the USDA has announced a second beef recall due to potential E. coli contamination. Rochester Meat Company, Rochester, Minn., is recalling approximately 188,000 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The recall was initiated following an investigation by the Wisconsin and California Departments of Health into five illnesses in Wisconsin and one illness in California. The USDA cautions that anyone concerned about illness should contact a physician.

According to the USDA:

The ground beef products subject to recall were produced on Oct. 30, 2007, and Nov. 6, 2007. The products subject to recall were shipped to distributors nationwide for further distribution to restaurants and food service institutions. These products were not available for purchase by consumers in retail establishments.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 10-pound boxes of “SEASONED BEEF BULK “