Ground Beef Recall: Mountain West Food Group, LLC Recalls 2,855 Pounds of Raw Ground Beef Due to E. coli O26 Contamination
On December 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced 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. The raw ground beef item was produced on December 16, 2025, and was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution for retail sales.
The product subject to recall is 16-oz. (1-lb.) vacuum-sealed packages containing "FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF" with "USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083" printed on the side of the packaging. The product bears establishment number "EST 2083" printed on the side of the packaging.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing, and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O26. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. However, anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
E. coli O26, 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 weeks (average of 3-4 weeks) after exposure to the organism. Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recall of 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products by Mountain West Food Group, LLC, due to E. coli O26 contamination is a serious food safety issue. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled product and to not consume it. FSIS is working to ensure that the recalled product is removed from the market and that consumers are aware of the potential risk. By taking these precautions, consumers can protect themselves and their families from the risk of E. coli O26 infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What products are being recalled?
A: The recalled product is 16-oz. (1-lb.) vacuum-sealed packages containing "FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF" with "USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083" printed on the side of the packaging. - Q: Why are the products being recalled?
A: The products are being recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli O26. - Q: What are the symptoms of E. coli O26 infection?
A: Symptoms of E. coli O26 infection include diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. - Q: How can I prevent E. coli O26 infection?
A: To prevent E. coli O26 infection, consumers should handle raw ground beef safely, cook it to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, and avoid cross-contamination with other foods. - Q: What should I do if I have purchased the recalled product?
A: If you have purchased the recalled product, do not consume it. Return it to the place of purchase or throw it away. - Q: How can I report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product?
A: You can report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product to the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/. - Q: Who can I contact for more information about the recall?
A: For more information about the recall, you can contact Jeremy Anderson, CEO of Mountain West Food Group, LLC, at 208-679-3765 or in**@*******************up.com. You can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MP*******@**da.gov.
