XL Foods E. coli Beef Recall Expands Again

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) over the weekend again expanded its recall of beef products from XL Foods for E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The Canadian recall, which has now been expanded 12 times, has affected 30 U.S. states and multiple American retailers, including Walmart, Sam's Club, and Kroger. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service last updated its list of retailers that sold the recalled products on Friday. The website eFoodAlert also maintains an updated list of exactly which beef products were recalled from which retailer. Haggen, Fred Meyer, Albertson's, Safeway, QFC, Ralph's, and others sold recalled products. The CFIA has posted a full list of the hundreds of products recalled in Canada. FSIS has issued a public health alert to warn the public about all beef and beef products from XL Foods produced on August 24, 27, 28, 29 and September 5 -- consumers are urged to check their beef products. According to the agency, products subject to the recall include, but are not limited to, steaks, roasts, mechanically tenderized steaks and roasts, and ground beef. There are no known U.S. illnesses connected to the recall, but Canadian officials are investigating whether at least four E. coli infections in Alberta might be linked to steaks from XL Foods. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and in the most severe cases, kidney failure and death. The very young, the elderly and individuals with weak immune systems are the most susceptible. Recalled products should be discarded. In general, ground beef products should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees to kill bacteria. Those concerned about a serious foodborne illness should contact their health care provider. © Food Safety News More Headlines from World »