E-coli: Dozens of beef cuts on XL recall list

by Dave Preston

A massive recall of raw beef products is underway in Canada that involves meat shipped from an Alberta packing plant.

The recall began mid-September and centered on ground beef products. On Saturday, the recall was expanded to include a host of other beef cuts and on Sunday the recall was expanded further by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

So many items are now on the recall list that CFIA is advising consumers who are unsure if they have affected beef in their homes to check with the stores where the product was purchased or throw it out.

“The CFIA is warning the public, distributors and food service establishments not to consume, sell, or serve the beef products described below because the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7,” states the CFIA.

The affected products were manufactured by XL Foods on August 24, 27, 28, 29 and September 5, but cover a large number of products that were sold in a host of stores across Canada in late August and September.

Affected stores in B.C. include Costco, Walmart, Sobeys, IGA, Thrifty Foods, SuperValu and Extra Foods.

“Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled.  Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria my cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses,” states CFIA on its website. “Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Some people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

To view the list of beef products recalled, click here.