Idaho company recalls almost 3,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination.

An Idaho-based food company is initiating a recall of nearly 3,000 pounds of raw ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli bacteria. This recall affects 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef,” which were produced on December 16. These packages are marked with a use or freeze by date of January 13 and can be identified by the establishment number “EST 2083” located on the packaging.

The ground beef was manufactured by Mountain West Food Group, situated in Heyburn, Idaho, and subsequently distributed to various locations across several states, including Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The recall was officially announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. However, the agency has not specified which retailers sold the contaminated meat. Attempts to obtain comments from both the USDA and Mountain West Food Group were unsuccessful as of Tuesday.

Importantly, there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the consumption of this specific meat. The potential contamination was identified during routine testing when a sample of the beef tested positive for the harmful bacteria. The USDA has indicated that the strain of E. coli involved can lead to illness within 28 days of exposure. Most individuals who contract this infection experience symptoms such as diarrhea—often bloody—and vomiting. Diagnosis typically occurs through stool sample analysis.

In light of the recall, the USDA advises any consumers who have purchased the affected ground beef products to either discard them or return them to the point of purchase. Furthermore, the agency recommends that all consumers ensure ground beef is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness.

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant concerning food safety practices, particularly with regard to the preparation and handling of meat products. This incident highlights the importance of ongoing food safety measures and monitoring to prevent potential health risks associated with contaminated food products.