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: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.