Officials: Up to 27 sick from Calif. beef recall

VISALIA, Calif. (AP) - Health officials in three Western states say at least 27 people have reported illnesses tied to a recall of ground beef that may be tainted with salmonella.

On Thursday, Fresno-based Beef Packers Inc. recalled 825,769 pounds of ground beef produced June 5-23.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the beef was sent to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.

The department said Friday that California, Colorado and Wyoming have reported illness that may be linked to the recall.

Colorado health officials say 21 people there have been sickened, and all are recovering. California officials say five people there have reported feeling sick. It's unclear how many in Wyoming have fallen ill.