The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada are warning the public not to use beef pet food sold last month at two locations in Canada’s British Columbia province because it may contain E. coli. The affected product was made by Surrey Meat Packers of Cloverdale, British Columbia. It was sold in 500-gram blocks assembled into 10-unit and 50-unit packages from Oct. 8 to Oct. 23 on location at Surrey Meat Packers, 6050-176th St., Cloverdale and at Jolly Meats and Fine Foods, 111 Charles St., North Vancouver, B.C. The pet food may not bear a label indicating packing date or “Best If Used By” date, according to the agencies. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased the affected product are advised to check with the store where the pet food was purchased. Any affected food should be thrown out. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported that it identified the contamination during a food safety investigation of some beef trims. The investigation is on-going. No illness associated with the affected pet food have been reported. Infection from E coli may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses in humans. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Although most people recover within seven to 10 days, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly are most at risk for developing serious complications, according to the health agency. <Home>
