On Dec. 1, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a recall on 31,000 pounds of Your Fresh Market ground beef products due to possible E. coli 0157 contamination. The recall effects meat purchased at Walmart’s within Rocky View County.
The beef processed in a Cargill Meat Solutions’ case-ready facility in northeast Calgary on Nov. 19 and 20.
The beef sold in Walmart stores in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba.
All the recalled beef has a Nov. 28 or 29 expiration dates.
Cargill said this is the first recall at this facility.
“(As a result of the recall) we’re reviewing our process and testing procedures in our own investigation,” Cargill Communications Manager Connie Tamoto said.
Though the product was pulled from the shelves, the CFIA is asking residents to check their freezers and fridges for the recalled product and if found, it should be returned or thrown out immediately.
The CFIA said the recall was triggered after FoodNet Canada conducted a food safety investigation, which they said may lead to the recall of other Cargill meat products in the future.
Cargill said they are working together with the CFIA to investigate the situation further, but can’t comment on what the cause of the contamination was.
Based on Health Canada’s guidelines, the CFIA determines whether a product should be recalled and classifies the recall into classes. This recall is considered a Class I “high risk” product recall. Class II recalls are moderate risk and Class III is “low or no risk” recalls.
Though Cargill said there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the tainted beef, E. coli 0157 is a serious illness and CFIA is asking anyone with symptoms to see a doctor.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. In more severe cases, sufferers have seizures, strokes, require blood transfusions and kidney dialysis and it can cause death.
According to the Alberta Health Services website, there are a number of things people can do to protect themselves from the E. coli bacterium.
• Wash your hands with hot, soapy water often, particularly after a visit to the washroom, before preparing food, after touching raw meat, and after changing diapers.
• Cook beef to at least 71°C (160°F).
• Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Thoroughly wash all kitchen tools and surfaces that have touched raw meat.
• Use only pasteurized milk, dairy and juice products.
• Use only treated, or chlorinated drinking water.
• Don’t use ice or drink tap water when travelling to countries that may have unsafe drinking water. Also avoid consuming raw fruits and vegetables, except those with skin you peel yourself.
For more information, visit albertahealthservices.ca
