New details posted on dozens of beef products recalled in E. coli investigation

Food safety officials in Canada posted additional information today about an undisclosed amount of beef products under recall by St. Ann’s Foods Inc./Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. for potential E. coli contamination.

Dozens of products are included in the recall. The company distributed the beef nationwide to foodservice establishments, retailers, distributors and manufacturers, according to a recall notice posted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. See product list below.

“This recall was triggered by the CFIA’s inspection activities,” according to the recall notice. “The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings. The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.”

As of the posting of the updated recall today, there had not been any confirmed reports of illnesses in association with the implicated beef.

The CFIA did not post any product photos with the recall notice.

About E. coli infections
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Many patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or even life-threatening symptoms and complications.

About 5 percent to 10 percent of those who are diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or die. This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children less than 5 years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS should be hospitalized because it can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage and neurologic problems.

The recalled products are listed here:

Source: Food Safety News