Design Highlights
- Nearly 2,900 pounds of raw ground beef from Mountain West Food Group was recalled due to E. coli O26 contamination.
- The affected product is labeled “Forward Farms grass-fed ground beef” with a use-or-freeze-by date of January 13, 2026.
- Contamination was discovered during routine USDA testing, with no confirmed illnesses reported.
- Consumers are advised to check freezers, dispose of the beef, and return it for a refund.
- The recall underscores the importance of food safety and the need for regular inspections to prevent contamination.
In a rather alarming turn of events, Mountain West Food Group LLC has recalled nearly 2,900 pounds of raw ground beef due to contamination with E. coli O26—yep, that’s the nasty strain that can really ruin your day.
The company, based in Heyburn, Idaho, produced this beef on December 16, 2025, and it was shipped out to various distributors across several states.
Mountain West Food Group in Heyburn, Idaho, produced this risky beef on December 16, 2025, distributing it across multiple states.
The product in question? A 16-ounce vacuum-sealed package of “Forward Farms grass-fed ground beef” that you might have seen in your local store.
With a use-or-freeze-by date of January 13, 2026, one would think they had time. Turns out, they don’t.
This recall has been classified as Class I by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. That’s the big guns coming in and saying, “Hey, this is serious business!”
The good news? So far, there have been no confirmed illnesses reported, which is a relief. But let’s not kid ourselves; E. coli O26 can cause some nasty symptoms like bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
If you thought a stomach bug was bad, try this on for size.
The contamination was discovered during routine USDA testing. A sample of the beef tested positive for E. coli, and just like that, the recall was announced.
No complaints from consumers? Not a single one. That’s the power of inspections, folks.
This beef was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington. It didn’t make its way to specific retailers, so good luck tracking it down.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The beef bears the establishment number EST 2083 on its packaging.
If you happen to have this beef in your freezer, take a good look. And if you find it, toss it out.
Seriously. Don’t even think about cooking it up for dinner. Ground beef needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to be safe, but who wants to play roulette with E. coli?
Consumers are urged to return any affected products to their place of purchase for a refund. The recall affects approximately 2,855 pounds of beef, so be sure to check your freezers carefully. Affected beef was shipped to distributors in several states, raising concerns about its distribution.
And if you have questions? The USDA FSIS hotline is just a call away.
For now, Mountain West Food Group has gone silent, leaving the public with lingering questions. While this recall impacts food safety, those who experience severe illness leading to extended time off work might want to consider whether they have adequate long-term disability insurance to protect their income during recovery.
All this over nearly 3,000 pounds of beef. One could say that’s a real beef with safety.
