A food recall has been issued for beef products contaminated with E. coli that trace back to Ranchers’ Beef at Balzac, Alta.
The recall issued Oct. 27 involved beef derived from the now bankrupt company that was processed into ground meat and steaks at a Vancouver operation, said Garfield Balsom, food safety and recall specialist for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The investigation was triggered when traces of E. coli were found in a pallet of meat products in the United States. Some of the processed product from the same batch of meat also ended up in small retail stores in British Columbia.
Read Also
Manitoba pork exports gain new market ground
Manitoba’s pork trade pivoted from China over the last five years, while Japan is remains the largest customer and South Korea and Mexico market footholds have grown
A microscopic amount of the bacteria might have contaminated a single side of beef, but once it is mixed together with other carcasses, the bacteria can spread.
“The food continuum is complex. One product from a line affects the whole line,” said Balsom.
Consumers who may have bought these products and still have them in their freezers are advised not to eat them.
The CFIA website has an itemized list under food recalls and allergy alerts. Go to www.inspection.gc.ca.
The product was sold between June 20 and Aug. 24 and there have been no reported illnesses associated with it.
Balsom said there have been a number of E. coli outbreaks this year across Canada and investigators have yet to confirm all the sources. Traceback takes time because it usually relies on reports of a diagnosed illness followed by investigation into food sources and original suppliers.
Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but consumption may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
