A significant food safety alert has been issued in the United States after a major recall of raw ground beef products over fears they may be contaminated with a dangerous strain of E. coli.
Details of the Recall and Affected Products
The Mountain West Food Group, LLC is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of its raw ground beef. The action was announced by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Saturday, 27 December 2025.
The recall was initiated after routine testing revealed the presence of E. coli O26, a Shiga toxin-producing variation of the bacteria that can cause severe illness. The affected product is sold in 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages labelled "FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF." Consumers should look for the use-by date "01/13/26 EST 2083" printed on the side of the packaging.
The beef was distributed to retailers in six states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Health Risks and Consumer Advice
While no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall to date, the risks are serious. Infection with E. coli O26 can occur up to 28 days after exposure.
Symptoms typically include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea (which can be bloody), and vomiting. In some cases, the illness can be more severe and prolonged. Diagnosis is confirmed via a stool sample, and treatment usually involves vigorous rehydration; antibiotics are not generally recommended.
The USDA urges consumers who have purchased the product to either throw it away immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
A Broader Context of Food Safety in 2025
This incident is part of a wider pattern of food recalls in 2025 linked to foodborne pathogens. For instance, in September, Nate's Fine Foods recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta products connected to a listeria outbreak that began in August 2024. As of November 2025, that outbreak had resulted in six deaths and 27 illnesses across 18 states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illness is a major public health burden in the US, causing an estimated 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalisations, and 3,000 deaths annually. Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness.
These recurring incidents underscore the critical importance of robust food safety testing and swift regulatory action to protect consumers from potentially deadly contaminants.
