🚨 BREAKING: National Recall of Ground Beef Due to E. coli O26 Contamination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chef Hour News

December 31, 2025

Chef Hour News Food Recall Alert

Heyburn, ID – Mountain West Food Group, LLC, based in Heyburn, Idaho, has issued an urgent recall of approximately 2,855 pounds of raw, grass-fed ground beef following positive test results for E. coli O26 during routine USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) testing.

Key Recall Details

• Product: 16-oz vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Forward Farms Grass‑Fed Ground Beef”, marked with “USE OR FREEZE BY 01/13/26” and “EST 2083” on the packaging.

• Production Date: December 16, 2025.

• Distribution Area: The product was distributed to retail distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further retail distribution.

Health Risks Explained

E. coli O26 is a dangerous form of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC), which can lead to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Official Statement

"Food safety is our top priority. While no illnesses have been reported, we urge consumers to take this recall seriously. If you have purchased this product, do not consume it—return it or dispose of it immediately," said Dr. Karen Mitchell, spokesperson for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "Cooking ground beef to 160°F is essential to eliminate harmful bacteria."

Consumer Advisory

• To date, no illnesses have been reported.

• Consumers who purchased the affected product should not consume it. Instead, dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

• Always thoroughly cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 °F, using a reliable food thermometer to kill harmful bacteria.