An American meat supplier is currently recalling ground beef distributed to six states over fears of potential contamination with E. coli bacteria.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in a recent notice that Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a meat distributor based in Idaho, is recalling approximately 2855 pounds of fresh ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O26 bacteria.
According to the announcement, routine sampling by the FSIS revealed that the ground beef products in question tested positive for E. coli O26.
The affected batch of “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef” was produced on December 16, 2025, packaged in vacuum-sealed 16-ounce (1-pound) portions, frozen, with a shelf life expiration date of January 13, 2026, and bearing the establishment number “EST 2083.”
These products have been distributed to retail distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution to consumers.
Although no confirmed cases have been reported yet, the FSIS has issued a warning regarding E. coli O26, which is a serotype of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Symptoms of illness from exposure to this pathogen can manifest within 28 days (typically up to 34 days).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that common symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, bloody or watery stools, fever, and dehydration. In some cases, infections can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that may lead to kidney failure or death.
Certain individuals, such as children under 5 years old, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from E. coli infections. Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to E. coli should contact a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
The FSIS advises that consumers who have purchased the recalled ground beef products refrain from consuming them, and urges them to either dispose of the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase.