Saskatchewan is reporting a spike in E. coli cases but is waiting for lab tests before linking them to the massive beef recall from an Alberta plant. The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday that there were 13 reported cases of E. coli infection in the province last month. The usual number for September is between zero and four. “Public health authorities are investigating these cases and conducting tests to determine whether they are linked to the recall,” reads a government release. “Laboratory results are expected within the next few days.”
Health officials in Alberta Tuesday confirmed one new case, bringing the province’s total to 10. Five of these cases have been linked to steaks that were processed at the XL Foods Inc. plant in southern Alberta and purchased at a Costco store in Edmonton.
For current information on the location of XL’s meat that has entered the United States visit an updated retail distribution list are posted on FSIS’ website at www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp