USDA announces recall of ground beef for possible E. coli contamination

Grass-fed ground beef distributed to six states has been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, according to the USDA’s food Safety and Inspection Service.

The recall by Mountain West Food Group, LLC, based in Idaho, affects more than 2,800 pounds of 90/10 raw ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the department announced Saturday.

Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef items packaged in 16-ounce packages were produced on December 16 and shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington state for further distribution to retail establishments.

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The affected beef has the label “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef,” as well as a use-by or freeze-dry date of Jan. 13 and “Est 2083” printed on the side.

The problem was discovered during “routine” testing, where sample results showed the presence of E. coli O26 bacteria, according to the FSIS announcement.

People can become ill from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria “28 days (average 34 days) after exposure to the organism.”

The recall was made by Mountain West Food Group, LLC. (USDA)

FSIS said there are no confirmed reports of illness related to consumption of the products, but anyone concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stool or urine, fever and dehydration, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some conditions can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and possibly death.

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There have been no confirmed reports of illness in connection with consumption of the products. (J. David Ackie/Getty Images/Getty Images)

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Some people, including people younger than five years old, people older than 65 years old, or those with weakened immune systems, are at increased risk of developing serious complications from an E. coli infection.

Consumers who purchased the recalled products are urged not to eat them and to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.