Ground beef recalled due to E.coli, was sold in PA, 5 other states

By Kaylee Remingtoncleveland.com(TNS)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Possible E. coli contamination has led to the recall of a food product distributed to retailers in several states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Mountain West Food Group LLC, an Idaho-based company, is recalling about 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef after routine testing by the department’s FSIS detected E. coli O26. The product was produced Dec. 16 and shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington.

The recall involves one-pound vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef” with a use-or-freeze-by date of Jan. 13 of next year. The packages have establishment number “EST. 2083,” which appears on the side of the packaging, the recall said.

No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recalled product, according to federal officials, but consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and avoid consuming it.

According to health experts, E. coli O26 is a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. In some cases, infections can lead to more serious complications, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Consumers who purchased the recalled product should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

Officials also advised consumers to follow safe food-handling practices and ensure raw meat products are cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit using a food thermometer.

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