One person has been confirmed infected with E. coli O157:H7 linked to ground beef now being recalled in Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and New Middleast Supermarket of Ottawa, ON are warning the public not to consume finely ground beef used for kibbeh that was sold by the stores on Dec. 28 and 29, 2011.

Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern dish of minced meat shaped into balls or patties.

The ground beef, which may still be in home freezers, was served from the supermarket’s fresh meat counter in plastic bags wrapped with paper. The packages may be unlabeled.

Consumers are advised to contact the retailer if they are unsure whether they have the recalled beef stored in their home freezer.

For more information contact New Middleast Supermarket, 1755 Bank Street, Ottawa at 613-526-3423.

Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria my cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Some people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.