OMAHA, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved changes Nebraska Beef Ltd. proposed after the company recalled 5.3 million pounds of beef last week.

USDA spokeswoman Amanda Eamich said Thursday that the company's plan satisfies concerns raised after an E. coli outbreak. At least 41 illnesses in Michigan and Ohio have reportedly been tied to Nebraska Beef's products. The beef was sold to wholesalers and distributors for further processing. Grocery chain The Kroger Co. has recalled Nebraska Beef products from its stores in 22 states.

Eamich said inspectors will check on the company’s Omaha plantover the next 90 days to make sure the company completes the changes it proposed. She wouldn’t discuss the details of the changes Nebraska Beef proposed.

Twenty-two people have been hospitalized since the first case of E. coli linked to the beef was identified May 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have also been reports of illness linked to the beef in Georgia.

Source: Associated Press