Canada’s big beef recall—the one that’s been expanded five times to include more than 200 products—has now reached the U.S. in a major way. On Saturday, Safeway recalled a long list of its own ground beef items that may include beef trim from XL Foods in Canada for possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled beef products were being sold in Montana, Oregon, and Washington state. In a statement, Safeway said it was informed by Interstate Meat Distributors that ground beef products produced for the grocery store chain included trimmings that were subject to XL Foods Inc.’s expanded recall.
Two other U.S. meat distributors, Portland’s Morasch Meats and Detroit’s Wolverine Packing Co. were also previously reported as impacted by the Canadian recall. Check eFoodAlert for a complete list of recalled products in the Canada/Ground Beef Recall. None of the Safeway products are yet associated with any illnesses. The company said it initiated the recall “out of an abundance of caution.” The recalled products have Sell By dates of 09-07-12 to 09-23-12. Safeway is asking its customers to check all ground beef in their refrigerators and freezers. The recalled products were sold from the self-service meat cooler and were packaged on black Styrofoam trays. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the first public health warning about beef products made by Edmonton-based XL Foods on Sept. 16. Canada’s recall was expanded five times before Safeway made its announcement. While XL beef did test positive for E. coli O157:H7 in the U.S. on Sept. 3, CFIA officials insist that test did not trigger the recall. If true, exactly what did trigger the recall in Canada remains unknown. Both CFIA and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are continuing their investigations. XL beef trim reportedly in distributed in at least eight states.
Veteran journalist with 15+ years covering food safety. Dan has reported for newspapers across the West and earned Associated Press recognition for deadline reporting. At FSN, he serves as Senior Editor and covers foodborne illness policy.
Coaticook brand white cheddar cheeses are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
There are 33 products covered by the recall. The products were distributed in Quebec.
Highline brand organic mini Bella sliced mushrooms are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall was triggered by test results from the Canadian Food Inspection
Boticelli Foods of Melville NY, is recalling one lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Product was manufactured by Gustibus Alimentari
Lidl US is expanding its July 24 recall of Eridanous Shortbread Cookies to include all units with a foreign language ingredients and nutrition facts panel for the following products:
* Eridanous
Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the draft is “a good first step,” but said more action is needed from Congress “to help farmers weather the weakened farm economy.”
