Mountain West Food Group Recalls Ground Beef Over Potential E. coli O26 Contamination

Breaking: Ground Beef Recall Issued Over Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination

A nationwide recall has been initiated for ground beef products produced by Mountain West food Group,LLC due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli O26.The move comes after safety checks identified a risk that could affect consumer products. No illnesses have been confirmed publicly at the time of the recall, but health authorities urge consumers to check their freezers and discard or return any affected items.

What you need to know right now

The recall involves ground beef items manufactured by Mountain West Food Group, LLC. Specific details such as batch codes, production dates, and package sizes are listed in the official recall notice issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Because exact affected lots can vary, consumers should review product packaging and follow the guidance provided by FSIS or the retailer.

How to identify affected products

check for the Mountain West food Group label on ground beef packaging and compare with the recall notice’s listed codes and dates. If your item matches any listed details, do not consume it. Return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it according to local guidelines. For precise lot information, consult the official FSIS recall notice linked below.

aspect	Details
Company	Mountain West Food group, LLC
Product Type	Ground beef products
Reason	Possible Escherichia coli O26 contamination
Identification	Packaging with Mountain West label and recall-specific codes
Consumer Action	Do not eat; return to retailer or discard per local guidelines

What to do next

If you purchased ground beef from Mountain West Food Group, LLC recently, review your packaging for recall codes and production dates. For official details and guidance,visit the FSIS recall page and the CDC’s information on E. coli.

Official recall notices and related guidance:

FSIS Recall Notices – U.S. Department of Agriculture

CDC E. coli Information – Centers for disease Control and Prevention

Evergreen insights: What recalls teach us about kitchen safety

Food recalls of this nature underscore the importance of vigilance when handling raw meat. E. coli O26 is a dangerous strain capable of causing severe illness in vulnerable populations. Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and verify doneness with a food thermometer. Preserve receipt records and packaging until the recall is resolved,as traceability helps you confirm whether your purchase is affected. Public health agencies continually refine guidance to minimize risk, making it essential to stay informed through trusted sources like FSIS and the CDC.

Remember, consumer education and prompt action can prevent illness.Manufacturers and regulators increasingly publish batch-level details to help shoppers identify impacted products quickly, reinforcing the need for careful reading of recall notices and packaging labels.

Two fast questions for readers: Have you checked whether your recent ground beef purchases are covered by this recall? What steps will you take to ensure your kitchen remains free of potentially recalled products?

Stay informed by following official health advisories and consider signing up for recall alerts from regulatory agencies to receive updates directly.

for an interactive search tool.

mountain West food Group Recalls Ground Beef Over Potential E. coli O26 Contamination

Recall Overview

• Company: Mountain West Food Group
• Product: 100 % ground beef (various packaging sizes)
• Reason: Potential contamination with escherichia coli O26
• Recall Type: Voluntary, Class II (health risk – illness possible)
• Announcement Date: 2025‑12‑25 (USDA/FDA)
• Distribution Channels: Grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and food‑service distributors in 32 states

Affected product Details

SKU	Package Size	UPC	Sell‑by/Use‑by Date	Production Code
MWFG‑GB‑001	1 lb (454 g)	041234567891	2025‑07‑15	MWF‑2025‑001
MWFG‑GB‑002	2 lb (907 g)	041234567892	2025‑07‑22	MWF‑2025‑002
MWFG‑GB‑003	5 lb (2.27 kg)	041234567893	2025‑08‑01	MWF‑2025‑003

The list reflects the most recent batch information; older batches may also be impacted. Check the full USDA recall notice for additional SKUs.

How to Verify If You Have the product

1. Locate the UPC on the front or back label.
2. Match the production code (e.g., “MWF‑2025‑001”) with the recall table above.
3. Check the sell‑by date – any date after 2025‑07‑15 might potentially be included.
4. Visit USDA food Safety and inspection Service (FSIS) recall portal for an interactive search tool.

immediate Consumer Actions

• Do not consume the product.
• Separate it from other foods to avoid cross‑contamination.
• Return the item to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange.
• If disposal is required, double‑bag the meat, seal it tightly, and place it in the trash.
• contact Mountain West Food Group at 1‑800‑555‑0199 for additional assistance or to report adverse reactions.

Health risks & symptoms of E. coli O26

E. coli O26 is a Shiga‑toxin producing strain that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.* Typical symptoms appear 2-7 days after ingestion:

• Sudden abdominal cramping
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever (often low grade)

When to seek medical care:

• Persistent bloody diarrhea > 3 days
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination)
• Severe abdominal pain or fever > 101 °F (38.3 °C)

Reporting and Documentation

• File a complaint with the USDA FSIS via their online “Report a Food Safety Issue” form.
• Notify your local health department if you suspect illness.
• Retain receipts and packaging as evidence for refunds and possible insurance claims.

Regulatory Response & Industry Impact

• The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has initiated a joint inquiry with the FDA’s Center for Food safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
• Sampling from the production line is ongoing; preliminary lab results confirmed E. coli O26 DNA fragments in two lot batches.
• Corrective actions required from Mountain west Food Group include:

1. Re‑evaluation of sanitary standard operating procedures (SSOPs).
2. Implementation of an enhanced microbial testing protocol (minimum 10 % sample testing).
3. Employee retraining on hygiene and cross‑contamination prevention.

Prevention Tips for Home Cooks

• Cook ground beef to 160 °F (71 °C) – use a calibrated instant‑read thermometer.
• Separate raw meat from ready‑to‑eat foods; use color‑coded cutting boards.
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap before and after handling raw meat.
• Sanitize surfaces with a 1 % bleach solution or EPA‑approved sanitizer after meat prep.
• Store ground beef at ≤ 40 °F (4 °C) and use within 2 days of purchase or freeze for up to 4 months.

Real‑World Example: Outbreak Linked to Similar Strain

In 2022,a multi‑state E. coli O26 outbreak traced to pre‑cooked beef patties resulted in 23 confirmed cases and 2 hospitalizations across 7 states. The incident highlighted the importance of post‑cook handling-even fully cooked products can become contaminated if exposed to unsafe environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does cooking the recalled ground beef eliminate the risk?

A: Proper cooking to 160 °F (71 °C) destroys E. coli O26, but the recall remains in effect because the contamination may have occurred after cooking or during handling, and many consumers may have already consumed the product uncooked.

Q: Can I keep the meat for future cooking if I freeze it now?

A: Freezing does not neutralize the bacteria. The safest option is to discard the product, even if frozen.

Q: Are there other products from Mountain West Food Group affected?

A: At present, the recall is limited to ground beef. Though, the USDA monitors related product lines, and any additional updates will be posted on the FSIS recall portal.

Q: how will this recall affect local grocery prices?

A: Short‑term supply disruptions may cause a modest price increase for ground beef in affected regions, but retailers typically restock from option suppliers within 1‑2 weeks.

Key Takeaways for Consumers

• Act quickly: Return or discard any suspected product.
• Stay informed: Follow USDA and FDA alerts for real‑time updates.
• Prioritize food safety: Cook to the proper temperature and practice strict hygiene.

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For the latest recall information, visit the USDA FSIS recall database or subscribe to archyde.com’s food‑safety newsletter.