Canada: Statement on E. coli O157:H7 Investigation

News Release
September 27, 2012

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) priority is maintaining the safety of the food supply. CFIA actions were and continue to be guided by science-based evidence and a commitment to protect public health. To this end, the CFIA has taken and is continuing to take comprehensive action to respond to the E. coli issue.

The Agency's response started on September 4, 2012 when it first detected E. coli O157:H7 in products produced from an Alberta facility supplied by XL Foods Inc. That same day, the CFIA was notified by the United States Department of Agriculture of a positive E. coli O157:H7 sample in beef trimmings from XL Foods Inc. The CFIA quickly verified that no affected product was in the marketplace and immediately launched an investigation of XL Foods Inc. to determine the source of the contamination.

This led to some products produced on August 24, 27, 28, 29 and September 5 being recalled to protect Canadian consumers.

While the CFIA's investigation did not identify one single factor that would lead to E. coli O157:H7 contamination, the combination of several deficiencies played a role. By themselves, each of these findings would not typically signal an immediate concern during the course of normal inspection activities.

The detection of E. coli in slaughter facilities is not uncommon...

Source: Statement on E. coli O157:H7 Investigation
Author: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

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