E. coli strain blamed for five illnesses matched to recalled burgers: officials

OTTAWA – Government inspectors say the strain of E. coli bacteria found in a batch of Butcher’s Choice beef burgers is the same one that has made at least five people sick in Ontario and Quebec.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has linked the five cases of E. coli infection to Butcher’s Choice brand Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers, sold at Loblaws stores across Canada.

Officials say the frozen burgers have been completely recalled from the market.

The agency has also recalled two other beef burger products, but it now says those burgers have not been found to have infected anyone.

The beef in question was produced by Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd. in Brampton, Ont.

While E. coli infection can cause serious illness, the five victims of the outbreak have either recovered or are recovering.