Mountain West Food Group, LLC, has initiated a recall of approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef due to potential contamination with E. coli O26. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall on Saturday, citing a risk of severe illness to consumers.

The contamination was discovered during routine testing, where sampling results confirmed the presence of E. coli O26. This particular strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can lead to serious health complications, making prompt action crucial for public safety. The USDA is urging consumers to discard or return the affected product.

The recalled ground beef is packaged in 16-ounce, vacuum-sealed containers labeled “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF.” Consumers should also look for the “USE OR FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083” date stamped on the packaging. The product was distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

While no illnesses have been reported to date, the USDA warns that symptoms of E. coli O26 infection can appear up to 28 days after exposure. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, which may be bloody, and vomiting. In some cases, infections can become severe and require medical attention.

Treatment for E. coli infections generally focuses on vigorous rehydration and supportive care. Antibiotic treatment is typically not recommended, as it may not be effective and could potentially worsen outcomes for some patients. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through stool sample testing.

This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety across the United States. Foodborne illnesses affect millions annually, leading to hospitalizations and fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 48 million people fall ill from foodborne diseases each year.

Recent months have seen several significant recalls due to foodborne pathogens. In September, Nate’s Fine Foods recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta products linked to a listeria outbreak that resulted in multiple deaths and illnesses across several states. Listeria, like E. coli, is a bacterium that can contaminate various foods and cause severe infections.

Listeria infections can present with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain. It is a leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., contributing to an estimated 260 fatalities annually. Public health agencies continue to monitor and address these threats to consumer safety.

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Keywords: E. coli recall, ground beef recall, Mountain West Food Group, food safety, E. coli O26, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, foodborne illness, USDA recall