Richwood Meat Co. has recalled hamburger patties that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The recall was initiated after at least three children became ill with E. coli infections after eating the hamburgers at two California Little League snack shacks, according to the Eureka Reporter.

Three children fell ill after eating hamburgers at the St. Helena and Calistoga Little League baseball snack shacks and have since recovered. Two other possible cases are being investigated.

Sample tests on the children and the meat will be completed Wednesday, said Mike Bowman, spokesperson for the California Department of Health Services.

E. coli O157:H7 infection often causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea, sometimes bloody diarrhea. There is usually little or no fever and the illness typically resolves itself in five to 10 days. Consumers with any of these symptoms should contact their physician.

Infection with this organism can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome and lead to kidney failure. Those most at risk for serious complications of this food-borne illness include young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

The hamburger patties were distributed to Winco, Raley’s, Save Mart, and Vons retail stores, as well as to discount grocers, food distributors, and food service vendors in California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.  Consumers checking their freezers for the potentially E. coli-contaminated hamburgers should note that the hamburgers were produced in April of 2006, and were sold under the Fireriver, Chef’s Pride, Ritz Food, Blackwood Farms, California Pacific Associates, C&C Distributing, Golbon and Richwood brands.