The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released more information about the E. coli 015:H7 outbreak in Canada linked to frozen beef burgers. The Gourmet Meat Shoppe and Butcher’s Cut burgers were recalled earlier this month. Now seven people have been sickened in this outbreak. More information about the recalled products can be found at the CFIA web site.
The case count is as follows: Alberta (2), Ontario (4), and Manitoba (1). One additional case had the same strain of E. coli found in a recalled product, but the case couldn’t be definitively linked to the current outbreak. That person died in early December.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps and pain, diarrhea, which is often watery and bloody, vomiting, and a mild fever. Complications from this infection can include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can lead to loss of kidney function, seizures, and strokes.
To protect yourself and your family, follow basic food safety steps. Never serve any ground meat cooked less than well done, or 160 degrees F. as measured by a food thermometer. Burgers cooked less than well done, as evidenced by this outbreak, are dangerous. Wash your hands before preparing food, after handling raw meat and eggs, and before eating. Avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and eggs and foods that are eaten uncooked. And be aware of recalls put out by public health officials.
