Possible E. coli contamination has prompted a recall of ground beef distributed across several states, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Mountain West Food Group LLC, located in Idaho, is recalling around 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef after routine tests showed the presence of E. coli O26. This beef was produced on December 16 and sent to retailers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The affected product comes in one-pound vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef.” They have a “use-or-freeze-by” date of January 13 of the following year and feature the establishment number “EST. 2083” on the side.
So far, no illnesses have been confirmed linked to this beef, but consumers are urged to check their fridges and freezers and avoid eating the product.
Health experts explain that E. coli O26 can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. It can be especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
If you have purchased this recalled beef, you should discard it or return it to the store. Remember to always follow safe food-handling practices. Cook all raw meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any harmful bacteria.
Recent data from the CDC shows that foodborne diseases, including E. coli infections, affect millions of Americans each year, emphasizing the importance of food safety. A survey revealed that over 50% of consumers are not aware of the proper cooking temperatures for meat, which can lead to serious health risks.
For more information on food safety, visit the CDC’s website, which provides guidelines on preventing foodborne illnesses.
