Canadian Food Inspection Agency Warns Public Against Beef Brand Suspected To Be Contaminated By E. Coli

Ottawa, Ontario (AHN) - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warned the public about beef products carrying the brand President's Choice for possible contamination of E. coli 0157:H7. The meats include steaks and roasts and ground beef with Best Before dates April 29 to June 16, 2009.

The CFIA said the recall of these products is part of a wider product recall in the U.S. by JBS Swift Beef Company.

Those items were sold fresh at retail outlets in different weight packages in trays and covered with a plastic wrap. The 24 beef products were distributed in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada in major grocery and meat retail outlets such as Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Loblaws, No Frills, Dominion, Quick Mart and Valu-mart.

The CFIA advised that while food contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7 may not smell or look bad, eating food with the bacteria may lead to serious ailments which could be life-threatening. It could induce strokes and seizures, and require those affected to have a kidney dialysis and blood transfusion. It may also permanently damage the kidney.

Symptoms of E. coli affliction include severe abdominal pain and diarrhea accompanied by blood.