Nearly 23,000 pounds of ground beef recalled over possible E. coli contamination

Idaho meat processor CS Beef Packers is recalling approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli, federal food safety officials announced Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the recalled products were produced Jan. 14 and shipped to distributors in California, Idaho and Oregon for further distribution to foodservice locations.

FSIS discovered the contamination during routine testing at a downstream customer. The agency has received no confirmed reports of illness linked to the products.

The recall affects three products, all packaged in cardboard cases containing either four or eight 10-pound chubs with a “Use/Freeze By” date of Feb. 4, 2026, and time stamps between 7:03 a.m. and 8:32 a.m.:

• “BEEF, COARSE GROUND, 73 L” (case code 18601)
• “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 73L” (case code 19583)
• “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 81L” (case code 19563)

All recalled products bear establishment number “EST. 630” inside the USDA mark of inspection printed on the outside of the case and on the clear packaging of each chub.

E. coli O145 poses serious health risk

E. coli O145, like the more commonly known E. coli O157:H7, is a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that can cause severe illness. Symptoms typically appear two to eight days after exposure, with most cases developing within three to four days.

Most people infected with the bacteria develop diarrhea, often bloody, and vomiting. While most recover within a week, some develop more severe complications. Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output, is uncommon with E. coli O145 but can occur, particularly in children under 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

What consumers and foodservice operators should do

FSIS warned that recalled products may be in foodservice freezers and urged restaurants and other foodservice locations not to serve the beef. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The agency advises consumers to cook all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which can only be confirmed using a food thermometer.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov. Problems with meat, poultry or egg products can be reported through the USDA’s online complaint system.

The recall is designated 003-2026 and classified as Class I, indicating a high health risk.