2012-12-15 - Butcher’s Choice Beef Burger Recall

On December 14, 2012, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in collaboration with Loblaw Companies Ltd., issued an expanded health hazard alert, warning the public not to consume Butcher’s Choice Garlic Peppercorn or Hickory Beef Burgers bearing any best before dates. These products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The recalled products were produced by Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Limited, located in Brampton, Ontario. This facility processes products using beef supplied by various slaughter plants.

This recall was expanded as a precaution after nation-wide CFIA testing at the retail level identified E. coli in products from Establishment 752. The CFIA continues to share information with federal and provincial health authorities as they investigate a small cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses, which have not yet been linked to this recall.

On December 5, 2012, the CFIA was informed by the Public Health Agency of Canada of illnesses with possible linkages to frozen burgers.

Since December 6, 2012, the CFIA has been conducting a comprehensive investigation at Establishment 752 to determine the source of contamination. An onsite team of six inspectors have verified that Establishment 752 is following appropriate food safety controls. The team is now focussed on tracing the origin of the ingredients, including spices and beef, from the products that tested positive.

If the CFIA's trace-back activities identify a contaminated ingredient, other facilities and products may be implicated. This could lead to further recalls.

The CFIA will immediately alert the public if any other potentially unsafe products are identified. The most current information about this situation, including all product and distribution information, can be found on the CFIA website.