Limited operations approved for XL beef plant; no meat to leave plant right away

OTTAWA – The Alberta plant at the centre of an E. coli scare is being allowed to resume limited operations.

But the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says no meat will leave the XL Foods meat packer in Brooks until the agency has approved a full reopening.

The plant was shut down Sept. 27 during an ever-expanding recall of its beef products across Canada and more than 20 other countries, including the United States.

The food inspection agency says the plant is being allowed to process some meat so inspectors can confirm that its E. coli cleanup plan is working.

An agency spokesman says the plant has been cleaned and sanitized.

Harpreet Kochhar (HAHR’-preet KOH’-shar) says condensation, drainage and ice buildup have also been addressed.