The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a public warning telling consumers that ground beef products sold at certain retail outlets in southwestern B.C. may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
While a recall order is in effect, consumers are being warned not to consume certain fresh and frozen beef patties and prime beef burgers from various retailers in Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria.
E. coli bacteria contamination can cause severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, seizures or strokes, and even death.
Food with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled, CFIA warned.
The full list of products is as follows:
- Eric's Meat Market, Kaslo, B.C. - Lean ground beef (fresh), various sizes, sold March 6 to 16, 2008, and April 16 to May 11, 2008
- Slaters Meats Ltd, Victoria, B.C. - Bison Patties (frozen), Prime Rib Patties (frozen), Chuck Patties (frozen), 5 units per package, Sold March 18 to May 13, 2008; and Trimpac brand Prime rib burger, 6 oz. (frozen), Item #10915, various weights, with pack dates March 14, April 18 and April 22, 2008 (regardless of date sale)
- Ozark Country Meats, Surrey, B.C. - 6 oz. Prime beef burgers (frozen); 2, 3 or 4 units per package, sold March 14 to April 11, 2008
- Tango's Gourmet Meats Ltd, Vancouver, B.C. - Prime rib burgers (frozen), 2 or 4 units per package, sold Feb. 22 to 29, March 20 to 27, and May 2 to 9, 2008
- Heringer's Olde Fashioned Quality, Richmond, B.C. - 1/4 pound burgers (frozen), various sizes, sold March 28 and 29, 2008
- Jackson's on Granville, Vancouver, B.C. - Prime Rib Beef Patties (frozen), various sizes, Feb. 26 to Mar. 26, and April 25 to May 13, 2008
Food contaminated with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled, CFIA warned, but could cause serious and life-threatening illnesses.
All products were supplied by Trimpac Meat Distributors of Vancouver, and the retailers are recalling the affected products voluntarily.
There have been no reported illnesses.
For more information, consumers can call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.
