Calgary halal stores closed by AHS can now reopen
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says all of the uninspected meat found at several halal food stores and grocers in Calgary has been destroyed and the affected facilities have been cleared to open.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
In mid-April, AHS issued closure orders for the following eight businesses after uninspected meat products were found at each of the locations:
- Alta Halal Meat - 6426 36 St. N.E., Units 150 and 155;
- Bismillah Meat and Grocery - 4250 109 Ave. N.E., Unit 4110;
- Madina Halal Meat and Grocery - 4656 Westwinds Dr. N.E. Unit 510;
- Maher Fresh Halal Meat - 3517 17 Ave. S.E., Unit 101;
- Mediterranean Halal Meats and Deli - A3917, 17 Ave. S.E.;
- Mustafa Madani Halal Meat and Grocery – 7 Westwinds Cr. N.E., Unit 109;
- Shawdesi Bazaar – 55 Westwinds Cr. N.E., Unit 131; and
- Shawdesi Foods and Catering - 55 Westwinds Cr. N.E., Unit 127.
On Friday, AHS announced it had rescinded closure orders for seven of the eight.
Four food businesses reopened on May 1 and three are expected to reopen on Friday.
The closure order for the eighth and final store, Maher Fresh Halal Meat, remains in place, but AHS said it should be able to reopen sometime in the next few days.
"As directed by (Environmental Public Health), all uninspected meat has been destroyed and the facilities have been cleaned under scrutiny of an AHS public health inspector," AHS wrote in a news release Friday.
"The operators were also required to sign an agreement that going forward they will only acquire and provide food from an approved source. These were all required actions before the closure orders could be rescinded."
No illnesses have been connected to the uninspected meat, AHS says, but officials are now reaching out to the public, particularly those who may have shopped at any of the above locations.
"Anyone who purchased meat or products containing meat from the Calgary-based businesses below before April 23, is instructed to dispose of these products immediately and watch for symptoms of gastro-intestinal bacterial infection. This includes leftovers brought home from any meals eaten at any of these businesses," AHS said.
Health officials are also advising the public to look out for any symptoms of food-borne illness, which could include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
"Some foodborne illness can cause a high fever and blood in your stool. Most of the time, foodborne illnesses are mild and go away after a few days."
An investigation into the origin of the uninspected halal meat is ongoing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.