CS Beef Packers Recalls Ground Beef Due to E. Coli O145 Contamination 

CS Beef Packers, LLC, a Kuna, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, as announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on February 11, 2026. The recall has been classified as Class I — the highest danger level — indicating a high risk of causing serious adverse health consequences or death. All affected products were produced on January 14, 2026, and shipped to distributors in California, Idaho, and Oregon for further distribution to foodservice locations such as restaurants and cafeterias.

Quick Facts

• Company: CS Beef Packers, LLC
• Location: Kuna, Idaho (Establishment No. EST. 630)
• Recall Date Announced: February 11, 2026
• Product Type: Raw ground beef (10-lb. chubs)
• Hazard: E. coli O145 (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli / STEC)
• Recall Class: Class I — High Risk (serious adverse health consequences or death possible)
• Volume Recalled: Approximately 22,912 pounds (~11.5 tons)
• Production Date: January 14, 2026
• Use/Freeze By Date: February 4, 2026
• Distribution: California, Idaho, and Oregon — foodservice channels only (restaurants, cafeterias, institutions)
• Sold at Retail Grocery Stores? No — distributed to foodservice locations only
• Confirmed Illnesses: None reported as of February 11, 2026
• Establishment Number: EST. 630 (printed inside the USDA mark of inspection on cases and chub packaging)
• Official Recall Page: USDA FSIS Recall Notice
• USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline: 1-888-674-6854 (888-MPHotline)

Detailed Recall Information

How Was the Contamination Discovered?

The problem was discovered during FSIS testing at a downstream customer, and the sampling results confirmed the presence of E. coli O145. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in foodservice freezers.

Which Products Are Affected?

The recalled items include three products, all in 10-pound cylindrical packages (chubs):

• “BEEF, COARSE GROUND, 73L” — Case code 18601, cardboard cases containing eight 10-lb. chubs, “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26,” time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32
• “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 73L” — Case code 19583, cardboard cases containing four 10-lb. chubs, “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26,” time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32
• “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 81L” — Case code 19563, “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26,” time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32

The recalled products bear establishment number “EST. 630” inside the USDA mark of inspection, printed on the outside of each cardboard case and directly onto the clear packaging of each chub. The date and time stamps appear on both the individual chub packaging and on two stickers on the outside of the cardboard case.

Health Risks: E. Coli O145

E. coli O145, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average 3–4 days) after exposure. Most people infected with STEC O145 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. In rare cases, infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can be life-threatening.

Populations at highest risk for severe illness include:

• Children under age 5
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems

What Consumers and Foodservice Operators Should Do

Step 1 — Do not consume the product. If you have any of the recalled ground beef products in your refrigerator or freezer, stop using them immediately regardless of appearance or smell. Contaminated meat may look, smell, and taste normal.

Step 2 — Identify the recalled products. Check your freezer for any 10-lb. chubs of ground beef bearing establishment number EST. 630 with a “Use/Freeze By” date of 02/04/26 and time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32. Check for case codes 18601, 19583, or 19563. These were distributed only to foodservice operators, but if you received bulk ground beef from a restaurant supply source, verify these identifiers.

Step 3 — Dispose of or return the product. Safely discard the recalled beef in a sealed bag in a trash receptacle inaccessible to people and animals, or return it to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

Step 4 — Contact CS Beef Packers for assistance.

• Consumer/Operator Contact: Roger Cooper, Operations Manager
• Phone: 208-810-7510, ext. 7531
• Email: [email protected]

Step 5 — Call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline with food safety questions.

• Phone: 1-888-674-6854 (888-MPHotline)
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET; automated system available 24/7

Step 6 — Report a problem with the product via the USDA FSIS Electronic Consumer Complaint System (available 24/7) at: foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov

Step 7 — Seek medical attention immediately if you or anyone who consumed this product develops symptoms of E. coli infection, including diarrhea (especially bloody), severe stomach cramps, or vomiting. Tell your doctor about your possible exposure to E. coli O145 — specific tests are required to diagnose STEC infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Regulatory and Legal Context

This recall was announced and managed by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products in the United States. FSIS operates under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, which mandates that meat products be free from adulteration, including pathogenic bacteria.

The Class I designation — the highest level of recall — means USDA has determined there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Under FSIS recall procedures, the company initiates the recall voluntarily after testing reveals contamination, but FSIS monitors the effectiveness of the recall and may take further enforcement action if necessary.

Anyone exposed to E. coli O145 can become ill within two to eight days after exposure. Because the “Use/Freeze By” date was February 4, 2026 — and products may have been frozen — there is a realistic possibility that affected product remains in commercial freezers. FSIS has specifically flagged this concern and is urging foodservice operators to audit their inventory immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is E. coli O145 and why is it dangerous? E. coli O145 is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), similar in danger to the more commonly known E. coli O157:H7. Illness typically begins 2–8 days after exposure and most commonly presents as diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. In rare cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening form of kidney failure, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Q: Which specific ground beef products are affected? Three products are recalled: “Beef, Coarse Ground, 73L” (case code 18601), “Fire River Farms Classic Beef Fine Ground 73L” (case code 19583), and “Fire River Farms Classic Beef Fine Ground 81L” (case code 19563). All are in 10-lb. chubs with a Use/Freeze By date of 02/04/26 and EST. 630 on the USDA mark of inspection.

Q: Can I find this beef at a grocery store? No — the products were distributed only to foodservice locations such as restaurants and cafeterias, not to retail grocery stores. However, if you work at or recently ate at a food service establishment in California, Idaho, or Oregon that may have used bulk ground beef, you should notify the management to check their inventory.

Q: What should I do if I already ate the recalled beef? Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled ground beef and has developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure. Specific tests are required to diagnose STEC infections, which can mimic other illnesses. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen — early medical evaluation is important.

Q: What are the symptoms and when should I seek care? Symptoms of E. coli O145 infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms typically begin 2–8 days after consuming contaminated food. Seek immediate medical care if you experience bloody diarrhea, symptoms of dehydration (decreased urination, dry mouth, dizziness), or reduced urination — which can signal the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Q: How do I get a refund or replacement? Contact the place where the product was purchased, or contact CS Beef Packers directly: Roger Cooper, Operations Manager, at 208-810-7510 ext. 7531 or [email protected]. Foodservice operators should also contact their distributor.

Q: How do I report an adverse reaction? Contact your healthcare provider first. To report a food safety problem to USDA, use the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov (available 24/7), or call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical or legal advice. Always follow official USDA FSIS recall guidance. For the most current recall information, visit the USDA FSIS website at fsis.usda.gov/recalls or call 1-888-674-6854. If you believe you have been sickened by this product, contact your healthcare provider immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Recall information is subject to change — always verify details directly with USDA FSIS.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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