Key Points

• FSIS recalls ground beef distributed in six states across the U.S. due to E. coli O26 contamination.
• No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised to discard the beef.
• Infections can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.

Last week, Mountain West Food Group, LLC, recalled approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products due to possible E. coli O26 contamination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The recalled beef is labeled “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” and is sold in 16-ounce, vacuum-sealed packages. Each package also has a “use or freeze by” date of 01/13/26, and on the side of the packaging, the establishment number is “EST 2083”.

The impacted products were produced on December 16, 2025, and sent to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington for retail distribution.

Routine testing was conducted by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which ultimately confirmed that the raw beef contained E. coli O26. Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses due to this contamination. Still, anyone who purchased or consumed the product should monitor for symptoms, which can appear up to 28 days after exposure.

Symptoms of E. coli O26 infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever. Older adults, young children, those with weakened immune systems and people who are pregnant are most at risk of life-threatening illness due to infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

Consumers who have purchased the recalled beef are advised to dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase. A full list of retail distributors is not yet available, but it will be posted on the FSIS website.