October 31, 2019

 

Cause of Canadian beef recalls, E. coli investigation remains a mystery

 

 

More than 860 beef products have been recalled in Canada, but that has not prompted officials to disclose information concerning an E.coli investigation, Food Safety News reported.

 

According to the report, the first recall in relation to the investigation was posted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on October 3. It involved an undisclosed amount of beef and veal from St. Ann's Foods Inc. and Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd.

 

The recall, along with 20 others, stated that the action was "triggered by the CFIA's inspection activities." However, the nature of the inspection trigger is not made known by the government.

 

The latest recall was on October 20 and, again, failing to release investigation details and thus maintaining secrecy about the cause of investigations.

 

"Food safety investigations are complex and involve several essential steps to determine if a food recall is required. A detailed explanation of the food safety investigation and recall process is available here," according to an unsigned statement provided to Food Safety News by the CFIA's media relations office.

 

"The CFIA provides updates to the public on its website regarding new developments in this matter while continuing to respect the integrity of the investigation."

 

The most recent consumer update posted does not include any investigation information, except to say it is ongoing. The agency will not say how much meat has been recalled, in total or for any of the individual recalls.

 

"For information regarding the quantity of meat involved, please contact the company," the media relations message said.

 

Some of the recalls haven't listed any company names. They have merely stated the "industry" was recalling products. Some of the recalled products were distributed without branded labeling.

 

However, the  CFIA has reportedly passed some details about the recalls to officials in at least five countries, namely the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and China, the agency said. Affected products may possibly have entered these markets.

 

- Food Safety News