Idaho company recalls 2,900 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination.

An Idaho-based food processing company is recalling approximately 3,000 pounds of raw ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli bacteria. The recall pertains to specific 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef,” which were produced on December 16 and have a sell-by date of January 13. These packages are marked with the establishment number “EST 2083,” indicating where they were processed.

The contaminated beef was manufactured by Mountain West Food Group, located in Heyburn, Idaho. The affected products were distributed to various retailers in several states, including Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. However, as of yet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has not disclosed the specific retailers that received the product.

The FSIS announced the recall on a recent Saturday after detecting the E. coli bacteria during routine testing of the beef samples. Despite the recall, there have not been any confirmed reports of illness related to the consumption of the potentially contaminated meat. The type of E. coli found is known to cause illness that can manifest within 28 days of exposure. Common symptoms include diarrhea—often bloody—and vomiting. Infections are typically diagnosed through stool sample analysis.

In light of the situation, the USDA encourages consumers who have purchased the affected ground beef products to either discard them or return them to the location of purchase for a refund. Additionally, the agency advises the public to ensure that all ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness.

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety protocols and the need for vigilant monitoring in the food production process to prevent potential health risks to the public. As investigations continue, authorities emphasize the significance of consumer awareness and safe food handling practices. Media News Source will monitor further developments related to this recall and any broader implications for food safety standards.