Nearly 3,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Have Been Recalled Across 6 States Due to Potential E. Coli Contamination
YOU NEED TO KNOW
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Mountain West Food Group, LLC recalled approximately 3,000 pounds of ground beef in six states
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Contaminated meat tested positive for the presence of E. coli O26 on a routine inspection
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Distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington received contaminated product
Idaho-based meat distributor Mountain West Food Group, LLC is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26.
Routine FSIS testing and sampling of contaminated beef products tested positive for the presence of E. coli O26, according to a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published Saturday, Dec. 27.
E. coli O26 is a serovar (or variant of a type of bacteria or virus) of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The notice stated that people could potentially become ill from STEC within 28 days, usually 34 days, after exposure to the organism.
USDA
Thousands of pounds of ground beef recalled in six states due to potential E. Coli contamination Thousands of pounds of ground beef recalled in six states due to potential E. Coli contamination
Most people infected with STEC O26 experience bloody diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to “more serious” health consequences. Because symptoms usually resolve within a week, “vigorous rehydration and other supportive care are the usual treatment; antibiotic therapy is generally not recommended,” the announcement said.
Another concern is Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is defined as a type of kidney failure. Although reported to be uncommon in STEC O26 infections, HUS is most common in children under 5 years of age, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems and can be detected by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. FSIS advised that anyone experiencing the symptoms described should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
PEOPLE reached out to Mountain West Food Group, LLC for a comment but did not immediately receive a response.
USDA
Thousands of pounds of ground beef recalled in six states due to potential E. Coli contamination Thousands of pounds of ground beef recalled in six states due to potential E. Coli contamination
Contaminated raw ground beef, 16 oz. (1 lb.) vacuum-sealed packages, manufactured on December 16, 2025, with the words “USE OF FREEZING BY 01/13/26 EST 2083” and “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED DOWN” printed on the side of the package.
The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington for further distribution to retail sales. While there are no confirmed reports of illness resulting from consumption of these products as of this writing, FSIS is “concerned” that some of the recalled products may already be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
Consumers who purchased contaminated products are asked not to consume these products, but to throw them away immediately or return them to the place of purchase.
FSIS recommends that all consumers safely prepare raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and consume only ground meat cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. “The only way to confirm that ground meat has been cooked at a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures temperature. internal temperature” the agency stated.
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