Troubled Alberta XL Foods meat plant can resume shipments to the U.S., CFIA says

OTTAWA – An Alberta meat plant involved in a massive recall of tainted beef over E. Coli concerns is once again being allowed to ship products to the United States.

The U.S Department of Agriculture has relisted the XL Foods plant in Brooks, Alta.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the plant can resume exports to the U.S., effective immediately.

The plant was decertified from exporting meat to the U.S. on Sept. 13, and the Americans recalled XL Foods ground beef products.

A massive recall called one of the largest in Canadian history was also implemented in this country, and at least 16 people became ill.

The CFIA restored the plant’s operating licence on Oct. 23.

The plant’s operations have been taken over by JBS USA, an American subsidiary of a Brazilian-owned enterprise that has an option to buy the plant.

Agency inspectors continue to monitor its operations.