Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho facility, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated coli O26, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Raw ground beef was produced on December 16, 2025. The following product is subject to recall. [view labels]:
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) in vacuum sealed packages containing “FORWARD FARMS Grass Fed Ground Beef” with “FREEZER USE UNTIL 01/13/26 EST 2083” printed on the side of the package.
The product subject to recall has the serial number “EST 2083” printed on the side of the package. The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington for distribution to retail outlets.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing and sample results indicated that coli O26.
There have been no confirmed reports of illnesses caused by consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about the disease should see a doctor.
coli O26, like the more common coli O157:H7 is a serovar that produces Shiga toxin. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STEC 28 days (average 34 days) after exposure.
Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. The infection is usually diagnosed by analyzing a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care are the usual treatment; Antibiotic treatment is usually not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but rarely some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is rare with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age, but it most often occurs in children under 5 years of age, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It is characterized by mild bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
FSIS is concerned that some foods may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who purchase these products are urged not to consume them.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten any of the suspected foods and develops symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Diagnosing infections requires special tests that can mimic other diseases.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection vary from person to person, but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea that is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others may develop serious or life-threatening symptoms and complications.
About 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, minor unexplained bruising or bleeding, and paleness.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in children under five years of age due to their immature immune systems, in older adults due to a deteriorating immune system, and in people with weakened immune systems such as cancer patients.
People experiencing symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical help immediately. People with HUS are more likely to be hospitalized because the disease can cause other serious and permanent problems, such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.
