November 6, 2007

 

Canada recalls more beef over E. coli concern
 

 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled certain beef products due to suspicion that some may have been contaminated with E. coli.

 

The beef in question was sold by an Alberta company between June and late August at 17 stores from Alberta to eastern Ontario.

 

The agency said the products have probably been sold to consumers.

 

There have been no problems reported from the beef, packed by Rancher's Beef Ltd. of Balzac, Alta. Rancher's has ceased operations, and all the products at the plant are under CFIA control.

 

The CFIA previously ordered recalls of Rancher's products on Nov. 2 and Oct. 28.

 

The news come as the USDA announced it is tightening restrictions on imported Canadian meat and poultry

 

Meat from the Canadian company was suspected in 40 cases of E. coli poisoning.

 

The inspection service will "immediately begin an audit of the Canadian food safety system that will focus on Rancher's Beef Ltd. and will include other similar establishments that export beef to the US," official Richard Raymond said Saturday.

 

The CFIA is examining 45 cases of E. coli in 5 provinces in Canada.

 

Most of the cases "share a unique pattern of E. coli" which has also been found in the United States.

 

However, on Nov. 2, the FSIS, said "no link has been confirmed between illnesses in Canada and product from the Rancher's plant."