The CS Beef Packers ground beef recall was announced on February 11, 2026, after routine testing detected possible E. coli O145 contamination in raw ground beef products.
Even if you don’t buy bulk ground beef yourself, this recall still matters because the affected products were shipped to distributors and then sent to foodservice locations (such as restaurants, commercial kitchens, and institutions) in California, Idaho, and Oregon. That means the most common exposure risk for the public could be eating food prepared outside the home.
What triggered the recall?
According to the recall information published from USDA/FSIS, the issue was discovered after routine testing at a downstream customer detected E. coli O145 in a sample. At the time of the announcement, there were no confirmed reports of illness linked to these products.
For the most up-to-date official recall details, consumers and food program operators can review the recall information published from USDA/FSIS. https://www.fda.gov/
Which ground beef products are affected?
The recalled beef was produced on January 14, 2026, and it was packed in large “chub” tubes inside cardboard cases. The products include:
1) “BEEF, COARSE GROUND, 73 L”
- Case code: 18601
- Packaging: cardboard cases containing eight 10-lb chubs
- Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26
- Time stamps: between 07:03 and 08:32
2) “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 73L”
- Case code: 19583
- Packaging: cardboard cases containing four 10-lb chubs
- Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26
- Time stamps: between 07:03 and 08:32
3) “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 81L”
- Case code: 19563
- Packaging: cardboard cases containing four 10-lb chubs
- Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26
- Time stamps: between 07:03 and 08:32
How to identify the recalled product
If you work in food service (or you purchase bulk meat through a supplier), check for:
- The “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26”
- Time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32 (printed on stickers and also on the chub packaging)
- The establishment number “EST. 630” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection and on the packaging
If you’re a consumer and you don’t have the original packaging, your best move is to contact the restaurant/food provider where you purchased a ground beef item (burger, tacos, meat sauce, etc.) and ask what supplier they used for ground beef around the timeframe tied to this recall.
Where the recalled beef was distributed
The recalled ground beef was shipped to distributors and then sent to foodservice locations in:
- California
- Idaho
- Oregon
What to do if you have it
If you are a restaurant, school, or commercial kitchen:
- Stop using the product immediately
- Segregate it clearly (do not serve it)
- Dispose of it or return it according to your supplier’s instructions
This is one of those “do not risk it” situations—especially with ground beef, which can spread contamination throughout a batch.
If you are a consumer:
Because this recall is primarily foodservice, many households won’t have these specific bulk cases. But if you believe you may have been exposed (especially from eating out), use these precautions:
- Watch for symptoms (below)
- If symptoms appear, seek medical care and mention possible exposure to E. coli from ground beef
- If you still have leftovers from a restaurant meal, do not eat them—discard safely (sealed bag) and sanitize surfaces that contacted it.
Symptoms to watch for (E. coli infection)
Symptoms vary, but commonly include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
Some people may also have fever. Many recover within about a week, but complications can become serious—especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
If someone develops severe symptoms, dehydration, or worsening illness, it’s safer to seek medical guidance quickly.
Food safety reminder: proper cooking helps, but recalls still matter
Cooking ground beef thoroughly is a key safety step, but recalls are issued because contamination can still cause harm—especially when food is undercooked, cross-contaminates surfaces, or is handled in shared kitchens.
If you want a simple rule for home cooking: use a thermometer and cook ground beef to a safe internal temperature.
Final takeaway
This is an active recall tied to CS Beef Packers ground beef products produced January 14, 2026, with a Use/Freeze By 02/04/26, and time stamps 07:03–08:32, bearing EST. 630, shipped to foodservice in CA/ID/OR.
If you manage food, serve food, or buy through a bulk supplier—check immediately.
If you want more practical steps to keep your kitchen safer during food alerts, read our guide on safe food handling and kitchen sanitizing (especially after working with raw meat). https://everydayanswers.online/junebar-allergy-alert-february-2026/