The Ground Beef Recall issued in January 2026 involves specific packages of Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef after routine testing detected E. coli O26, a potentially dangerous strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Federal food safety officials advise consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers if they recently purchased certain packages of ground beef.
Quick Recall Facts
Product: Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef
Package Size: 16 oz (1 lb), vacuum-sealed
Hazard: Possible E. coli O26 contamination
Risk Level: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
Use-or-Freeze-By Dates: Jan. 7, 2026 and Jan. 13, 2026
Establishment Number: EST 2083
Amount Recalled: Approximately 2,855 pounds
States Affected: CA, CO, ID, MT, PA, WA
Recall Date: January 2026
Action Required: Do not eat. Discard or return for a refund.
Photo of Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef packaging similar to the recalled product. Check labels for “Use or Freeze By Jan. 13, 2026” and “EST 2083” to identify affected packages
Products Included in the Recall
The recall applies to the following product:
| Product Name | Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef |
| Package Size | 16 oz (1 lb) vacuum-sealed |
| Use-or-Freeze-By Dates | Jan. 7, 2026 and Jan. 13, 2026 |
| Establishment Number | EST 2083 |
| Production Date | Dec. 16, 2025 |
| Quantity Recalled | Approximately 2,855 pounds |
| Distribution States | CA, CO, ID, MT, PA, WA |
If you shop in any of these areas, check your ground beef packages carefully. Look for the information above and discard it immediately.
This Ground Beef Recall applies only to specific packages with the dates and establishment number listed above
Why This Recall Was Issued
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after personnel discovered E. coli O26 during routine microbiological testing of products from the Mountain West Food Group, LLC production facility in Heyburn, Idaho.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) bacteria can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe illness, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious condition that can lead to kidney failure
What Consumers Should Do
If you have any Forward Farms grass-fed ground beef matching the description above:
✔ Do not eat it.
✔ Throw it away immediately or return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund.
✔ Check packaging labels for the use-or-freeze-by date, product name, and “EST 2083.”
✔ Even if ground beef looks or smells okay, do not consume it.
Consumers should review the Ground Beef Recall details carefully before preparing or freezing raw beef products.
If someone has eaten the recalled product and develops symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, or severe cramps, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Symptoms of E. coli infection may appear within a few hours to several days after exposure.
Who to Contact for Questions or Refunds
Consumers with questions about the recall or refund can contact the producer directly:
Mountain West Food Group, LLC
- Phone: 208-679-3765
- Email: info@mountainwestfoodgroup.com
- Company reported handling consumer recall questions through this contact information.
You may also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline for assistance:
- 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) — Available for consumer guidance about recalls and food safety.
We believe everyone deserves straightforward information when it matters most. This page is updated regularly to help you stay informed about recalls and safety alerts you can trust.
How to Reduce Risk When Handling Ground Beef at Home
Even when recalls are limited to specific products, it’s important to follow safe food-handling practices whenever preparing ground beef.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, and countertops after use
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods in the refrigerator
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, using a food thermometer
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly
These steps help reduce exposure to harmful bacteria and are good habits to follow for all meat products, not just during recalls.
Why Recalls Are Issued Quickly
Food recalls are often issued as soon as a potential risk is identified, even before illnesses are reported. This allows consumers to take precautionary action early and helps prevent further exposure. Acting promptly on recall notices is one of the most effective ways to reduce food-related health risks.
According to the official USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recall notice, the contamination was discovered during routine microbiological testing at a production facility.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ground-beef-recall-6-states-e-coli-usda/
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