If in doubt, throw it out; Food inspection agency again expands beef recall

OTTAWA – The recall of ground beef from Edmonton-based producer XL Foods is being expanded yet again.

The recall due to possible E. coli contamination was first announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency a week ago and since then has been expanded six times.

It affects ground beef sold by Sobeys, Foodland, IGA, and Douglas Meats stores in the Prairie provinces, Ontario, the Maritimes and some Big Way and Super A stores.

And now it also includes unlabelled ground beef products sold between Aug. 24 through Sept. 16, at stores which may include small retailers, local meat markets and butcher shops.

The CFIA is advising consumers who are unsure if they have the affected product to check with the stores where they purchased the beef, or simply throw it out.

The agency says there have been no reported illnesses linked to the beef.

A complete list of affected stores and products can be found on the food inspection agency’s website at www.inspection.gc.ca.