OTTAWA, Ontario – Fraser Valley Meats in Chilliwack, British Columbia, launched a recall of ground beef on concerns the product may be contaminated with E. coli O103, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported.
An investigation by British Columbia Fraser Health triggered the recall, CFIA said. CFIA also is conducting an investigation. A health alert issued by Fraser Health said “there were no food safety issues with the process in which the products were being prepared.”
“These products were prepared using methods that meet food safety standards,” Dr. Andrew Larder, Medical Health Officer, Fraser Health, said in the alert. “The E. coli strain found can cause illness similar to the O157 strain, but does so less frequently.”
So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with consumption of the recalled ground beef. E. coli O103 can cause bloody diarrhea and kidney failure.
The ground beef was sold only at Fraser Valley Meats and was not distributed to other retail outlets, Fraser Health noted. Consumers who bought meat directly from Fraser Valley Meats March 5-8 are asked to return it to the company or discard it.
“It is important to remember that any ground beef may be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria and that this product should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) or above,” Dr. Larder added.