Investigation Into E. coli Cases in Canada

News Release

Related alerts: 2007-10-26 | 2007-10-27
OTTAWA, October 26, 2007 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are currently investigating
possible linkages between E. coli cases that occurred
earlier this summer in Canada.
The investigation is examining 45 cases of E. coli O157:H7 that were found in
New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia. These cases
were previously reported from July to September, 2007. As a result of these
cases, eleven people were hospitalized and one elderly individual died.
Ongoing testing has determined that most of the cases share a unique pattern
of E. coli and
the cause of the illnesses has been mostly associated with ground beef. This
new E. coli
pattern has also been found in the United States, and we are working closely
with our counterparts at the United States Department of Agriculture to share
information. We greatly appreciate the USDA’s input
and cooperation in this investigation.
The same unique E.
coli pattern that was found in the majority of cases this summer
has been found through genetic testing of samples of beef taken from a meat
facility in Alberta. This facility is currently not operating. The company has
contacted its primary distributors to return any affected product. All
remaining product is under detention. CFIA is actively
investigating this and other potential sources to determine if there is a link
between this facility and the cases under investigation.
At this time, CFIA is working to ensure
that there is no contaminated beef from the facility in Alberta available to
consumers. If the investigation reveals that product is still on the market, a
public recall will be issued.
Federal officials are also working with their counterparts in other
jurisdictions and are taking all the necessary steps to protect the public. The
Government remains vigilant and committed to maintaining and improving
Canada’s food safety system by ensuring national and international
industry standards are upheld.
Canadians are reminded that a number of simple steps should be taken when
cooking with ground beef to reduce the likelihood of E. coli. Specifically, thoroughly
cooking the meat and using safe handling practices can reduce the risk of
illness. For more information, please refer to the following fact sheet:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/ecolie.shtml.
For more information, consumers can call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday). To receive
information on food recalls or allergy alert notices by e-mail, or for other
food safety facts, visit the CFIA web site at
www.inspection.gc.ca/recalls.
-30-
CFIA Media
Relations
613-228-6682
PHAC Media
Relations
613-941-8189
Fact Sheet: E.
coli O157:H7 Food Safety Facts
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Investigation Into E. coli Cases in Canada

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