The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is doing everything possible to learn why a major beef plant in southern Alberta continues to be plagued with E. coli contamination.
Lakeside Packers at Brooks was forced to recall ground beef that had been shipped across the country to retail and wholesale outlets from March 1-18.
“The company is working very hard to produce a product that is free of risk,” said Larry Turner of CFIA’s food recall division.
“We’re having difficulty finding any reason for the problem.”
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The company implemented a hazard analysis critical control points system several years ago to combat the problem. It includes steam pasteurization.
The plant’s procedures and record-keeping systems have also been scrutinized, but to no avail.
Lakeside produces 35 to 40 percent of Canada’s beef.
The company constantly monitors samples for microbial contamination that includes searches for E. coli, salmonella and listeria bacteria.
Potentially positive samples are known within 24 hours and the sample is then sent for a third party test to confirm the problem.
The discovery of bacteria results in an investigation and a possible decision to recall products.
The CFIA verifies that the recall has occurred and investigates the cause of the problem and its handling.
Ken Marcynuk of the CFIA said microbe-contaminated meat may be sent for rendering, while chemically contaminated meat may have to be incinerated or disposed of in a landfill.
Representatives from Lakeside Packers did not return calls requesting comment.
