MENA Newswire, BOISE, Idaho: Nearly 3,000 pounds of ground beef have been recalled in six U.S. states after federal inspectors detected possible E. coli contamination during routine testing, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Mountain West Food Group, based in Idaho, initiated the recall on December 27 after 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef tested positive for E. coli O26. The affected products were distributed under the Forward Farms brand to retailers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Officials said the contamination was discovered as part of a scheduled inspection by federal food safety authorities. The recalled products were produced on December 16, 2025, and are packaged in 16-ounce containers labeled with a “use or freeze by” date of January 13, 2026. Each package bears the establishment number “EST. 2083” printed inside the USDA inspection mark.
Consumers who purchased the affected ground beef are advised not to consume it and either discard it safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. As of Tuesday, no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall. The USDA stated that it continues to monitor the situation and that no other Forward Farms products are currently affected. The agency emphasized the importance of proper food handling practices, including washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact with raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. E. coli bacteria are naturally found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some, such as E. coli O26, can cause serious food-borne illness. Symptoms of infection typically include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, appearing within several days of exposure. Most healthy adults recover within a week, but severe cases can lead to complications including kidney failure, particularly among children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Federal health officials recommend that consumers cook ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to eliminate harmful bacteria. The USDA also advises refrigeration or freezing of raw meat products within two hours of purchase and thorough cleaning of kitchen surfaces that come into contact with uncooked meat. The recall follows standard USDA protocol, which mandates product removal when contamination is identified through testing. Once notified of the positive result, Mountain West Food Group coordinated with federal inspectors to trace distribution and remove affected items from stores. Retailers in the six impacted states were instructed to pull the identified lots from shelves immediately.
Contaminated beef traced across six affected U.S. states
E. coli O26 is among several non-O157 strains that have been increasingly detected in food safety monitoring programs. The bacteria can survive under refrigeration and freezing conditions but are destroyed when exposed to sufficient heat. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service conducts routine sampling across the country as part of its ongoing monitoring to reduce contamination risks in meat and poultry products. Consumers seeking confirmation on whether they possess recalled products are advised to check packaging details closely. Items bearing the “EST. 2083” identifier and a January 13, 2026, use-by date should be treated as part of the recall. Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection after consuming ground beef are urged to contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.
Mountain West Food Group has not reported any distribution beyond the six states named by the USDA. The agency said it will continue oversight of product recovery and ensure all contaminated meat is removed from circulation. Inspections and traceability reviews are ongoing to verify that all recalled products have been accounted for. The USDA’s recall notice categorizes this incident as a Class I recall, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause serious health consequences. While no hospitalizations have been reported, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and transparency in food contamination reporting. Foodborne illnesses linked to E. coli contamination remain a significant public health concern in the United States. Federal monitoring and recalls serve as preventive measures aimed at reducing exposure and ensuring the safety of the national food supply. The USDA continues to advise consumers to follow food safety best practices, including cooking meat thoroughly and maintaining proper hygiene during preparation.
Ongoing vigilance in U.S. food safety systems emphasized
This recall underscores the ongoing vigilance of federal food safety programs and the importance of consumer awareness in preventing foodborne illness. It also highlights the effectiveness of the USDA’s inspection protocols in identifying potential contamination before products reach a larger market. Continuous surveillance, combined with swift recalls, remains central to protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the nation’s food supply chain. Public cooperation through checking product labels, following recall instructions, and adhering to safe cooking practices plays a crucial role in minimizing risk and ensuring food safety. The incident further reinforces the critical role of transparency between food producers, retailers, and regulators in responding quickly to contamination risks. Strengthening oversight, consumer education, and traceability in food production continues to be an essential part of safeguarding public health and preventing future outbreaks linked to food-borne pathogens.