The United States Food Safety and Inspection Service is working to remove all raw ground beef products imported from XL Foods from U.S. wholesale and retail outlets.
The USDA FSIS issued a Public Health Alert for imported Canadian raw boneless beef trim from XL Foods on September 20 and expanded the alert on Friday.
The FSIS tested beef products from the Alberta facility on September 3, 2012 and alerted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of its findings.
On September 16, CFIA issued a Health Hazard Alert warning the Canadian public about the possible E. coli contamination in a variety of ground beef products.
A Canada-wide recall was issued voluntarily by XL Foods on both frozen products and fresh-packed ground beef that was distributed in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
The CFIA confirms that XL Foods was delisted by the U.S. in early Septmeber until certain corrective actions are taken.
The United States Food Safety and Inspection Service is working to remove all raw ground beef products imported from XL Foods from U.S. wholesale and retail outlets.
FSIS says the products in the recall were distributed in California, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
They say these products may have been further processed into various products, such as ground beef or ground beef patties.
The CFIA says even though it is not uncommon to find E. coli bacteria in slaughter houses, the plants are responsible for monitoring it and taking action.
Officials with the Canadian food agency also say that XL Foods didn't consistently follow its E. coli control measures.
XL Foods has developed a new response plan in light of the contamination and recall and the CFIA will oversee its implementation.
To read the USDA alert, visit the FSIS website.
