Concerns over food safety have resurfaced in the United States following the recall of nearly 2,900 pounds of ground beef products by Mountain West Food Group, a Heyburn-based food processor. The voluntary recall was announced by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Saturday, after routine sampling found evidence of E. coli O26, a harmful strain of bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
The withdrawal affects 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packs of Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef, distributed in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The meat was processed on 16 December and bears the use-or-freeze-by date of 13 January 2026, along with the establishment number EST 2083 printed on the packaging.
Contamination Detected during Routine Sampling
The potential contamination came to light during standard regulatory testing carried out by the FSIS, with results confirming the presence of E. coli O26. According to the FSIS, this particular serotype is classified as a Shiga toxin-producing strain, which can lead to a variety of health complications, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall involves approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef produced by Mountain West Food Group. According to the FSIS, the beef was shipped to distributors in the six affected states, where it was intended for further retail distribution. There have been no confirmed reports of illness related to this recall at the time of publication.
Consumers are being advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any products matching the recalled batch. The FSIS has urged individuals who have purchased the affected beef to either dispose of it safely or return it to the place of purchase. The agency has emphasised that consuming the contaminated product could result in serious health risks, including vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and, in rare cases, a form of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Broader Pattern of Foodborne Illness Concerns in 2025
The E. coli recall follows several high-profile food safety incidents throughout 2025, indicating a broader pattern of increased regulatory action. According to Food Safety News, the number of recalls overseen by the FSIS rose by 7 percent during the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2024. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees different categories of food products, saw an even steeper increase of 14 percent in its own recall figures during the same timeframe.
Earlier this year, Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California, recalled more than 245,000 pounds of pasta products due to a listeria outbreak, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulted in six deaths and 27 illnesses across 18 states.
According to the CDC, foodborne illness remains a significant public health issue in the United States. An estimated 48 million people fall ill each year due to contaminated food, with approximately 128,000 hospitalisations and 3,000 deaths. The agency warns that E. coli O26, although less common than O157:H7, poses comparable risks and should be treated with equal seriousness.
As of now, the FSIS is working to ensure that the affected ground beef is fully removed from circulation. In the meantime, consumers are advised to follow standard food safety practices, including thorough cooking of ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, to eliminate harmful bacteria.
