Food Recall: Some Ground Beef May Contain E.coli

Sep 17, 2012

CFIA Recalls Various Ground Beef Products

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling a number of ground beef brands over concerns of E.coli contamination. There are over three different brands, including Calahoo Meats, Kirkland Signature and Safeway, that are affected by the recall and several different types of ground beef including lean ground beef, burgers, meatballs and meatloaf. The full list of the products that are being recalled can be found on the CFIA website. The ground beef products, although under a number of different brands, are all from the manufacture - XL Foods Inc. based in Edmonton, Alberta.

While this is a voluntary food recall and there have been no reported illness, consumers should be cautious as food contaminated by E.coli may not even look or smell spoiled. Consumers are warned not to take any chances if they have purchased any of the products that are affected under the recall as consumption of food with E.coli bacteria may cause serious health complications and in the most serious cases, may result in death. For more information about the recall call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Video: Seed Storage: Protecting Quality from Harvest to Planting

Protecting seed quality starts in the field and continues through storage until planting — that was the focus of the Spud Smart–NAPSO webinar with Leroy Salazar, Amanda Wakasugi and Bill Crowder. Speakers stressed that vine kill timing, harvest conditions (soil moisture, pulp temperature), and minimizing mechanical damage set the stage for successful storage; modern buildings, calibrated sensors, VFD-controlled airflow,

rapid field-heat removal, and tight temperature uniformity then preserve seed quality. Ongoing monitoring for hot spots, condensation and early issues, plus sanitation and variety-specific handling, keep losses low and seed viable for shipping or cutting.