Beef Recall 2026: Urgent Nationwide Alert—Check Affected Brands and UPC Codes Now

A nationwide food-safety alert has intensified after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed multiple 2026 beef recalls, prompting shoppers to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately. Most recent action: on August 8, 2026, City Foods, Inc. issued a Class I recall for ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef sold under the Bea’s Best brand because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious or fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The recalled deli meats were shipped nationwide in vacuum-sealed packages bearing establishment number “EST. 7271” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The August recall follows February’s high-profile action involving CS Beef Packers, LLC of Kuna, Idaho. On February 11 the company recalled 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef produced on January 24 and 25 after routine testing detected E. coli O145, a potentially deadly pathogen linked to hemorrhagic colitis and kidney failure in severe cases. Affected chubs and tray packs were distributed to retail chains in Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Import issues have also surfaced. Nearly 30,000 pounds of raw beef from Argentina were pulled from shelves in two Southern states when officials discovered the shipment had entered the U.S. without the required re-inspection, violating federal import regulations. What consumers should do • Locate the establishment number and “Use By” date on any corned beef, pastrami, or ground-beef products purchased since late January. If the codes match those listed in the recall notices, do not eat the meat; throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. • Watch for symptoms. Listeriosis can present with fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance. E. coli O145 infection often starts with severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea within two to eight days of exposure. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop. • Practice safe handling. Cook ground beef to 160 °F, keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods, and wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly after contact with raw beef. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service updates its Recalls & Public Health Alerts page in real time; consumers can sign up for email and text notifications to stay ahead of future recalls.