Ground Beef Recall in Six States Due to E. coli Contamination Concerns

**Excerpt:** An Idaho-based company is recalling ground beef sold in six states over potential E. coli contamination, affecting nearly 3,000 pounds of product.

Key Points

– **Company & Product:** Mountain West Food Group is recalling 2,855 pounds of grass-fed ground beef labeled “Forward Farms.”
– **Affected States:** The recall impacts California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
– **Contamination Risk:** Testing revealed the presence of E. coli O26, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
– **No Illnesses Reported:** As of now, there have been no reported cases of illness related to this recall.
– **Consumer Guidance:** Consumers are advised to discard the product or return it to the point of purchase.

Full Article

Overview of the Recall

An Idaho-based company, Mountain West Food Group, has announced a recall of ground beef due to concerns about E. coli contamination. This recall, which was made public on Saturday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), affects approximately 2,855 pounds of ground beef distributed across six states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Product Details

The recalled product consists of 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of grass-fed ground beef. Consumers can identify the affected packages by the label “Forward Farms,” a use or freeze by date of January 13, 2026, and the establishment number “EST 2083.”

Discovery and Health Risks

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered the contamination during routine testing, which indicated the presence of E. coli O26. This strain can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and vomiting. Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product, FSIS advises anyone concerned about potential exposure to contact their healthcare provider.

Consumer Actions

Consumers who have purchased this ground beef are urged to either discard it or return it to the store where it was purchased. Public awareness and quick action are encouraged to prevent any health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated products.