Canadian E.coli O157:H7 beef contamination origin unknown - CFIA
The Canadian Food Inspection Authority (CFIA) has not implemented any measures in relation to the potentially-lethal pathogen contamination, which resulted in the recall of Country Morning Beef Burgers and un-branded packs of Club Pack Beef Steakettes.
The Quebec-based authority told FoodQualityNews.com that it would not be taking any actions until test results pinpoint the source of the contamination.
The recalled products, which were manufactured by New Food Classics, were distributed to stores across Canada.
There has been one reported illness in relation to consumption of this product.
Investigation continues
“The investigation continues,” said CFIA food safety recall specialist Fred Jamieson. “We are trying to determine the route cause – whether the contamination originated from the raw input or during carryover.”
“What we are doing at the moment is conducting a trace-back.”
“The on-going investigation will establish where the contamination started and from there we can reassess if any more products may need to be recalled.”
Jamieson added that the agency had not received any other information to suggest the source and no measures have been implemented by the company or the CFIA.
“They were frozen products and were produced last October. Whatever measures were in place at that time are still in place now.”
“Once the results have come back, and the issue has been established then we will look at changing practices,” Jamieson added.
Expanded recall
The original recall applied to several batches of 1kg packaged Country Morning Beef Burgers products were distributed to COOP and TGP grocery stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Territories.
The Country Morning Beef Burger recall has since been expanded to include stores in Ontario, Yukon Territories and Nunavut.
One batch of 2.3kg packs of the un-branded Club Pack Beef Steakettes, which were distributed to several stores across the country, has also been affected by the recall.
“The manufacturer, New Food Classics, 1122 International Blvd, Suite 601, Burlington, Ontario is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall,” said the recall statement.
“Food contaminated with E.coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.”
