Approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products have been recalled across the United States due to potential contamination with E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in a statement on Nov. 20.

Officials have so far identified 15 people sickened in the outbreak, but the true number may be higher. Additionally, the FSIS has expressed concerns that some restaurants may still have the affected products in their fridges and freezers.

What's E. coli?

"E. coli (+Escherichia coli) O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2 to 8 days (3 to 4 days, on average) after exposure," the FSIS said in a statement. Some types of E. coli live in the body without causing harm, but E. coli O157:H7 produces a toxin that can wreak havoc in the intestines.