Released on February 27, 2013
A case of E. coli infection in Saskatchewan has been linked to a national recall of frozen beef burgers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of frozen beef burgers distributed in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories on February 19, after the products caused illnesses due to E. coli infection. The Saskatchewan case occurred in Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region and was likely contracted prior to the recall. The individual affected is recovering.
Frozen beef burgers included in the recall (Gourmet Meat Shoppe and Butcher’s Brand, as detailed at the links below) should either be returned to the location of purchase or discarded. Consumers are reminded to take simple steps to reduce their risk of E. coli infection.
“All meat should be cooked thoroughly, and anyone handling or preparing food should thoroughly wash their hands first,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe abdominal pain, watery or bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and headaches. Symptoms usually appear within three to four days but can occur up to ten days later and last five to ten days. People most at risk of developing serious complications from E. coli are pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly. Those with severe or prolonged symptoms should see a doctor or go to an emergency department.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada and the provincial ministry of health continue to monitor the situation, in collaboration with health regions.
For information on food recalls from the CFIA, visit
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recalls-and-allergy-alerts/complete-listing/2013-02-19/eng/1361343434007/1361343445684.
Updated information on the outbreak investigation is available from the Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fs-sa/phn-asp/ecoli-1212-eng.php.
Information on safe food handling practices is posted at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/kitchen-cuisine/interact/index-eng.php.
Members of the public who have health-related questions can call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 or visit www.healthlineonline.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594