News yesterday from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is warning the public not to consume certain beef products described below because they may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This recall of beef products in Canada is related to the expanded recall of beef products in the USA by JBS Swift Beef Company, Greeley, Colorado due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. JBS Swift Beef is recalling over 420,000 pounds of meat that has been linked to at least 23 illnesses in 9 states, including 2 with HUS.

The following President’s Choice (PC) brand beef products – steaks, roasts and ground beef, bearing Best Before dates April 29 to June 16, 2009 inclusive, are affected by this alert. These fresh (not frozen) beef products were sold at retail in variable weight packages consisting of trays with a plastic over wrap as well as from the in-store meat counters. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of if they have the affected beef products. These products have been distributed in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada from the following retail stores:

Ontario:

Cash & Carry
Real Canadian Wholesale Club
Dominion
Extra Foods
Fortinos
Freshmart
Loblaws
No Frills
Real Canadian Superstore
Loblaw Superstore
Valu-mart
Your Independent Grocer
Zehrs
Westfair

Québec:

AXEP
Intermarché
Loblaws
Entrepôt Presto
Club Entrepôt Provigo
Provigo

Atlantic:

Cash & Carry
Real Canadian Wholesale Club
Dominion
Freshmart
Red & White
Quick Mart
Save Easy
Atlantic Superstore
Valu-mart

Mr. President, you might check the full list just released by USDA/FSIS.  Another idea is to invite Secretary Vilsack over for the picnic.