In a follow-up on the investigation into the E. coli outbreak in Edmonton, Alberta Health Services (AHS) Environmental Public Health has determined the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 is linked to certain pork products sold and distributed by The Meat Shop at Pine Haven.

Image/CFIA
Image/CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a Food Recall Warning for certain pork products sold and distributed by The Meat Shop at Pine Haven between February 19 and April 24, 2018, inclusively.

This recall was initiated by The Meat Shop at Pine Haven, in light of the E. coli O157:H7 foodborne outbreak investigation led by AHS and supported by the CFIA.

The number of lab-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 has increased to 36, including 11 patients who have needed hospital care, and one individual who has died likely due to infection with E. coli.

The AHS investigation has determined that certain raw and ready-to-eat pork products sold and distributed by The Meat Shop at Pine Haven has a common link between these lab-confirmed cases. Consumption of these products is associated with increased risk of illness.

Both AHS and the CFIA are encouraging consumers to check if they have recalled products in their home. Businesses should also verify whether they have any recalled products.

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

The predominant symptom associated with E. coli O157:H7 is diarrhea, which may be bloody. In more severe forms of the disease, hemolytic uremic syndrome (a form of kidney failure) can develop. Anyone who has symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 should contact Health Link.

Symptoms usually start one to 10 days after eating food contaminated with E. coli bacteria. If you are concerned or start to develop symptoms, please visit your family doctor or a healthcare clinic as soon as possible. It is important that you mention your possible exposure to E. coli O157:H7.

Children, the elderly and the immunocompromised are at greater risk of complications from this strain of E. coli. The majority of individuals who get sick from E. coli O157:H7 will improve on their own within 10 days, but a small proportion may develop complications.