The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Saturday that Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26.
According to FSIS, the recalled product was produced on December 16, 2025, and includes:
- 16-ounce (1-pound) vacuum-sealed packages labeled “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF”
- Packages marked with “USE OR FREEZE BY 01/13/26” and establishment number “EST. 2083” printed on the side
The affected products were shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution to retail locations.
FSIS said the issue was identified during routine testing, with sampling results confirming the presence of E. coli O26. At this time, there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to consumption of the recalled product.
Consumers who have purchased the affected ground beef are urged not to consume it. The product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Health Information
E. coli O26 is a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), similar to the more commonly known E. coli O157:H7. Symptoms typically develop two to eight days after exposure, though illness may occur later.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
Most individuals recover within a week, but in rare cases, the infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious form of kidney failure. HUS most often affects children under 5, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Warning signs include easy bruising, pale skin, and decreased urine output. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Anyone concerned they may be ill after consuming ground beef should contact a healthcare provider. For additional recall details, consumers can visit the FSIS website or contact Mountain West Food Group directly.