Timeline of Events: CFIA investigation into possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination in frozen burgers
March 11
The CFIA closes current line of investigation. At this time, no further activity is anticipated.
The investigation began on February 13, 2013 and CFIA investigators pursued all avenues of inquiry, including:
- Assessing production, inspection and testing records;
- Reviewing plant food safety procedures; and
- Conducting additional testing on burger ingredients.
The CFIA trace back investigation focused on the company's records to identify ingredients used in the production of the recalled burgers. As a result, the CFIA has confirmed that all available ingredients tested negative for the presence of E. coli which included: spices and some domestic beef ingredients. No inventoried imported ingredients remained for testing. As well, no contamination source was identified during the trace back investigation.
As is the norm, the CFIA initiated and completed recall effectiveness checks in all affected provinces including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. CFIA inspectors conducted checks from retail, restaurant and institutional clients.
It is important to note that all products associated with a small cluster of illnesses in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan were recalled from the marketplace on February 19, 2013. The CFIA will continue to work with public health authorities to monitor any reported cases of illness.
Canada has rigorous requirements for meat production to reduce the risk of E. coli, but even the best food safety systems cannot eliminate all potential opportunities for contamination all the time.
This is why it is critical that consumers take a few simple steps to keep their food safe. Cooking ground beef to at least 71°E. fully destroys E. coli bacteria. As well, consumers can prevent contamination of other foods by ensuring that cooking surfaces and utensils are well cleaned with soap and water after coming into contact with raw beef.
February 27-March 1
After ascertaining input ingredients used to produce the products in question, the CFIA took the next procedural steps by tracing back ingredients through three lines of inquiry. These three lines of inquiry are: spices, domestic beef ingredients and imported beef ingredients. Available ingredients are being tested for E. coli O157:H7.
The CFIA completes recall effectiveness checks to ensure recall objectives were achieved.
February 23 to 26, 2013
CFIA continues to perform recall effectiveness checks to ensure possible contaminated product is removed from the marketplace.
The investigation related to ingredients at Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd., continues.
February 22, 2013
A call was held with Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Health Canada, provincial health officials and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to discuss and provide updates on the current illnesses and the ongoing food safety investigation.
CFIA testing has confirmed that the recalled products with a August 14, 2012 production date, are linked to the one Ontario and one Manitoba reported illnesses.
As part of the investigation, the CFIA has completed the review of Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd., production processes and have not identified any issues to suggest that contamination in the facility occurred during processing.
February 20
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) held a technical briefing in conjunction with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to inform the public of developments in the ongoing food safety investigation.
The investigation continues as the CFIA checks the effectiveness of the recall at the retail and institutional level to ensure that recall objectives have been achieved.
February 19
Based on a Health Risk Assessment from Health Canada, Canada Safeway Ltd. recalls five frozen burger products produced by Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd., due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. An additional Cardinal brand frozen burger product produced for the hospital, restaurant and institutional level is recalled by Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd.
Products identified for recall had a production date of August 14, 2012.
February 18
CFIA testing of samples of frozen burgers produced by Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd., from lots with best before dates of August 14, 2013 indicates samples are positive for E. coli O157:H7.
The CFIA requests a Health Risk Assessment from Health Canada on the product that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 along with other products produced on the same production line and date.
February 17
CFIA inspectors continue to collect frozen burger samples at retail level.
February 16
CFIA laboratories receive 90 boxes of frozen burgers from seven different lot codes and begin testing and analysis.
February 15
CFIA inspectors are deployed to collect samples of the Gourmet Meat Shoppe Big and Juicy frozen burgers for testing by CFIA laboratories across Canada. The goal is to identify which lot codes may have been contaminated.
February 14
The CFIA investigates at the retail and manufacturer levels to identify which products need to be sampled and tested.
Canada Safeway Ltd. informs the CFIA that the Gourmet Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy Burgers are produced by Establishment 752, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd.
CFIA inspectors begin an investigation at Establishment 752.
February 13
Public health authorities notify the CFIA that two people are sick due to E. coli O157:H7 bacteria possibly linked to frozen beef burgers. Based on food history, both illness cases had reported consumption of Safeway brand Gourmet Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy Burgers, sold at Canada Safeway Ltd.
The CFIA immediately launches a food safety investigation.
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