BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Thousands of pounds of raw ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli has been recalled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Mountain West Food Group LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho, company, is recalling 2,855 pounds of beef produced Dec. 16, 2025, the Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a release.
In Pennsylvania, Weis Markets is known to sell Forward Farms products. Other retailers may carry the brand, as well.U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service, in a release
According to the FSIS, affected products include 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef” with a “Use or freeze by 01/13/26 EST 2083” label on the side of the packaging.
The FSIS release states the issue was listed as a Class 1–High Risk health hazard situation, “where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”
Potentially contaminated products were shipped to distributors in Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Washington, the release said.
In Pennsylvania, Weis Markets is known to sell Forward Farms products. Other retailers may carry the brand, as well.
The issue was discovered during routine FSIS testing and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli 026., according to the release.
Contact health care provider
No confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of the products have been reported, the FSIS states, but anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Those exposed to E. coli O26 "develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe."U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service, in a release
“E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)," the release states.
"People can become ill from STECs 28 days (average of 34 days) after exposure to the organism."
It says most people infected with STEC O26 "develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample."
Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended.
“Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection," according to the release.
"Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output.
“Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”
The FSIS advises anyone who may have the contaminated product at home to dispose of it or return it to the store where it was purchased.
