Nearly 3,000 pounds of ground beef are being recalled after federal food safety officials detected possible contamination with E. coli O26.
Mountain West Food Group, LLC announced the recall after routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified the presence of the bacteria in a batch of raw ground beef produced on December 16, 2025.
The recall affects 16‑ounce vacuum‑sealed packages labeled “Forward Farms Grass‑Fed Ground Beef” with a “Use or Freeze By 01/13/26” date and the establishment number EST. 2083 printed on the packaging. The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington, where it was expected to be sold at retail via retailers such as Albertsons, and Amazon and could be available across the United States.
FSIS officials said no illnesses have been reported, but urged consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
Understanding the Risk
E. coli O26 is a strain of Shiga toxin‑producing E. coli, similar to the more widely known O157:H7. Infections can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea and vomiting. Most people recover within a week, but complications — including a rare form of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome — can occur, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
FSIS emphasized that anyone experiencing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, unusual bruising, or reduced urination should seek medical attention.
Consumer Guidance
Officials warn that some of the recalled beef may still be in home kitchens. Consumers are advised not to eat the product, even if it appears safe. Proper cooking can reduce risk, but FSIS recommends discarding the recalled packages entirely.
The agency also reminded the public to cook all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, verified with a food thermometer, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
FSIS will continue conducting recall effectiveness checks and will post retail distribution lists as they become available at fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Questions about the recall can be directed to Mountain West Food Group CEO Jeremy Anderson.
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