Two Alberta food companies are recalling raw pork products due to possible contamination with E. coli 0157:H7.
The recall affects raw pork sold by V&T Meat and Food in Calgary between July 14 and Sept. 2, as well as raw pork sold by Hiep Thanh Trading in Edmonton between July 10 and Sept. 3.
The recall was announced Thursday by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The pork may be involved in some of the 152 cases of E. coli-related illnesses that have been reported in Alberta since July 15.
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The CFIA said the raw pork products may have been sold by other retailers, so consumers unsure of the source should check with the retailers where the products were purchased.
Consumers, food service companies, retailers, distributors and manufacturers who purchased raw pork products from the two companies should not use or sell them due to possible contamination, the CFIA advised.
The meat should be thrown out or returned to point of purchase.
The government agency did not indicate how much raw pork is involved in the recall. It was triggered by the E. coli foodborne illness outbreak investigation undertaken by Alberta Health Services after a spate of E. coli-related illnesses were reported this summer.
The CFIA and AHS are analyzing the pork in question to see if it is linked to the recent E. coli illnesses.
E. coli 0157:H7 can cause nausea, vomiting, mild to severe stomach cramps and watery diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, strokes and kidney damage.
