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Rise in Sask. E. coli may be linked to beef

By: Staff Writer

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 at 8:05 AM | Comments: 0

Saskatchewan is reporting a spike in E. coli cases but is waiting for lab tests before linking them to the massive beef recall from an Alberta plant.

The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday there were 13 reported cases of E. coli infection in the province last month. The usual number for September is between zero and four.

"Public health authorities are investigating these cases and conducting tests to determine whether they are linked to the recall," reads a government release. "Laboratory results are expected within the next few days."

The Regina Qu'appelle Health Region confirmed that the Flip Eatery and Drink in the city's downtown closed voluntarily Tuesday after five customers were diagnosed with E. coli.

The health region said its investigation has shown some of those customers did not eat beef.

Health officials in Alberta Tuesday confirmed two new cases of E. coli, bringing the province's total to 10.

Five of the Alberta cases, including one of the new ones, have been linked to steaks processed at the XL Foods Inc. plant in southern Alberta and purchased at a Costco store in Edmonton.

Health officials were reminding consumers to cook beef thoroughly and to wash their hands when preparing food.

The warning comes after yet another recall of beef products from the plant in Brooks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said in a health hazard alert released late Monday that dozens of additional products, including roasts and sausages, have been added to a long list of recalled beef.

The agency announced the expanded recall as it continues to investigate XL Foods, which had its licence temporarily suspended last week.

The CFIA is warning the public, distributors and food service establishments not to consume, sell, or serve any of the beef products on the list because they may be contaminated with E. coli.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper endured more question period beef broadsides Tuesday from both the NDP and the Liberals.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair accused Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz of blaming bureaucrats, while interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae demanded to know why it took the government so long to warn Canadian consumers.

"On this particular case, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency acted to contain contaminated product, beginning on Sept. 4 and has been acting ever since then," Harper said.

"The plant will remain shut down until the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is convinced that it is safe to operate."

Ritz's office issued a news release late Tuesday saying he would be at the CFIA's Calgary lab this morning to issue a statement and speak with the media.

The Conservatives have added 700 "net new" food inspectors since first taking office in 2006, he added.

After question period, Rae said the government's first responsibility was to alert the public to a potential health hazard.

"The real issue here is, when does the consumer have a right to know? When should the consumer be informed?"

-- The Canadian Press

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