WASHINGTON, DC (Dec. 27, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) has announced that Mountain West Food Group, LLC is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli O26, a strain of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli. According to the agency, routine FSIS testing detected the bacteria in the product, prompting the company to initiate the recall.
Regulators said the company distributed the affected ground beef to multiple states, and some packages may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Although no illnesses have been confirmed, FSIS urged consumers not to consume the product.
Mountain West Food Group recall: quick summary
Mountain West Food Group has recalled a limited quantity of raw ground beef after USDA FSIS testing found possible E. coli O26 contamination. The company sold the recalled product under the Forward Farms brand and produced it on a single day in December 2025. The company shipped the product to distributors in six states for retail sale. FSIS said there have been no confirmed illnesses, but consumers should either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
Official recall details
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Recall date: Dec. 27, 2025
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Announced by: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
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Company: Mountain West Food Group, LLC (Heyburn, Idaho)
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Product: Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef
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Issue: Possible E. coli O26 contamination
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Product details: 16-oz (1-lb) vacuum-sealed packages; “USE OR FREEZE BY 01/13/26”; establishment number EST. 2083 printed on the side of the packaging
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Consumer action: Do not consume; throw away or return to the place of purchase
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Stick around to find out more about what happened.
What happened?
The USDA FSIS said Mountain West Food Group initiated the recall after routine FSIS sampling identified the presence of E. coli O26 in the raw ground beef. The company produced the product on Dec. 16, 2025, and shipped it to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for retail distribution.
In its recall notice, FSIS warned consumers not to consume the product and advised them to discard it or return it to the place of purchase. The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been linked to the recalled beef.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | Best by date | Issue | Affected states |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forward Farms | Grass-Fed Ground Beef | 16 oz (1 lb) | 01/13/26 | Possible E. coli O26 | CA, CO, ID, MT, PA, WA |
What caused the issue?
According to the USDA FSIS notice, the recall was triggered after laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of E. coli O26, a type of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli. These bacteria can cause symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and abdominal cramps. FSIS noted that young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare form of kidney failure. The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been reported to date.
Questions you might have
Mountain West Food Group is recalling Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef sold in 1-lb vacuum-sealed packages.
USDA FSIS testing found possible contamination with E. coli O26.
Check for “Use or Freeze By 01/13/26” and establishment number EST. 2083 on the package.
The beef was distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
No confirmed illnesses have been reported as of the recall announcement.
Symptoms may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration.
Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.
Do not consume it. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
Monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if you feel unwell.
Consumers can contact Mountain West Food Group at 208-679-3765 or [email protected].
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume the recalled ground beef
- Check the side of the package for EST. 2083 and the 01/13/26 use-by date
- Dispose of the product safely or return it to the retailer
- For questions or refunds, contact Mountain West Food Group at 208-679-3765 or [email protected]
Behind the brand
Mountain West Food Group, LLC is a Heyburn, Idaho–based meat processor producing raw, non-intact beef products. The company stated in its recall notice that it has ceased distributing the affected product and is working closely with USDA FSIS to remove it from commerce. Source86 reached out to Mountain West Food Group for comment on how the contamination occurred, but has not yet received a response.
Other relevant recalls
This recall follows several recent E. coli–related recalls covered by Source86, highlighting ongoing food safety challenges across the broader food and protein supply chain. Recent cases include Purity Products’ recall of its MyBladder dietary supplement over possible E. coli contamination, Twin Sisters Creamery’s recall of multiple cheese varieties, including Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed, due to potential E. coli contamination, and Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, which were linked to E. coli and Salmonella contamination.
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while this recall involves a single product:
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the importance of routine testing, traceability, and proper cooking of ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F. Consumers should remain vigilant about checking recall notices, while companies must continue investing in robust food safety and quality assurance systems.
At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private-label production with transparency and precision, preparing supply chains to respond quickly when recalls occur. Contact us.
