Mountain West Food Group Recalls Ground Beef Over E. Coli O26 Risk

Mountain West Food Group, LLC, based in Heyburn, Idaho, is recalling around 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef due to concerns of E. coli O26 contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on December 27, 2025. The beef in question was processed on December 16, 2025.

Details of the Recall

The affected product is identified as:

• 16-ounce packages of “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF”
• Packaging marked with “USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083”
• Bears the establishment number “EST 2083”

This product was distributed to various states, including California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Discovery of Contamination

The potential contamination was detected through routine testing by FSIS, which confirmed the presence of E. coli O26. Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Health Information

E. coli O26 is part of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) group. Illness typically manifests within 28 days after exposure, with an average onset of 34 days. Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea, often bloody
• Vomiting

Some individuals may experience prolonged or severe symptoms. Infection is diagnosed through stool sample testing, and while most recover within a week, there are rare cases of serious complications such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This condition can lead to kidney failure and is more common among children under five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Consumer Advisory

Consumers who have purchased the recalled ground beef are advised not to consume it. Instead, they should dispose of the product or return it to the retailer. FSIS is actively monitoring the situation to ensure that the recall is effectively communicated.

Safe Meat Handling Practices

FSIS recommends that consumers follow safe cooking practices for meat. Ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. The use of a food thermometer is critical to ensure that harmful bacteria are eliminated.

For Further Assistance

For inquiries regarding this recall, consumers can contact Jeremy Anderson, CEO of Mountain West Food Group, LLC, at 208-679-3765. Additionally, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) for food safety questions. To report issues with meat, poultry, or egg products, access the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at any time.