Camilla Jessen
Check your freezer.
Federal food safety officials have issued a recall for nearly 3,000 pounds of raw ground beef after routine testing detected possible E. coli contamination.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said Mountain West Food Group, LLC, recalled around 2,855 pounds of beef due to the presence of E. coli O26, a potentially dangerous strain of bacteria.
Products affected
The recall involves FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF, sold in 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages.
Consumers can identify the affected products by the following details:
- Use or freeze by date: 01/13/26
- Establishment number: EST 2083
- Production date: December 16, 2025
The beef was distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Health risk and symptoms
FSIS said routine testing confirmed the contamination.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but officials warned that symptoms of E. coli infection can appear up to 28 days after exposure.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever. Young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek medical care promptly.
What consumers should do
FSIS urged consumers not to eat the recalled beef. Products should be thrown away or returned to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
A full list of retailers that received the beef has not yet been released, but FSIS said it will be posted on its website as it becomes available.
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture; Food Safety and Inspection Service.
