XL Foods has recalled millions of pounds of beef products that are contaminated by E. coli O157:H7. So far, 12 Canadian residents have been sickened in the outbreak. There are no recognized illnesses–yet–in the United States, despite the fact that XL Foods sent over 2,500,000 pounds of potentially contaminated meat stateside.
According to Canadian food safety authorities, based on all the information collected to date—epidemiological, microbiological and food safety—the following cases of illness are linked to products from XL Foods Inc. or illnesses associated with the XL Foods Inc. food safety investigation:
- Alberta 7
- Newfoundland and Labrador 1
- Quebec 3
- British Columbia 1
TOTAL 12
At this time, there are no other cases linked to the specific strain of E. coli O157 observed in the XL Foods Inc. food safety investigation.
More information about products that have been recalled and how that aspect of the investigation has unfolded, including the temporary closure of Establishment 38, is available on the CFIA website.