The Sunrise Health Region is reminding residents to be mindful when handling and cooking beef products in the wake of the recent Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recall of Alberta beef products due to E.Coli concerns.
Symptoms of E.Coli infection include severe abdominal pain, watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headaches with little or no fever," says Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, Medical Health Officer with Sunrise Health Region. Symptoms generally appear within three to four days but can occur up to ten days later and last five to ten days. Those most at risk for developing complications from E.Coli include pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly.
"The risk of contracting E.Coli infection can be reduced in a number of ways," adds Nsungu. "Simple steps such as thorough hand washing when preparing food and ensuring all meat is cooked thoroughly can greatly reduce the chances of infection."
No cases of E.Coli have been reported in Sunrise Health Region since August 1, 2012. To date there have been five E.Coli cases reported nationally related to this recall. Although Saskatchewan has seen a recent increase in the number of new cases of E.Coli, there is currently no proof that these are linked to beef products from XL Foods. The CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are continuing to monitor the situation together with health regions.
"We encourage all residents in the region to check the labels of any meat products in your deep freezers and comparing them to the online listing of recalled products," adds Nsungu. "Any meat products included in the recall should be returned to the location of purchase or discarded."
Information on the recall including the list of recalled items can be found online at: www.inspection.gc.ca/food/consumer-centre/food-safety-investigations/xl-foods/eng/1347937722467/1347937818275. Information can also be obtained via the Sunrise Health Region Public Health office at (306) 786-0600 and recall updates are available on the "Alerts" section of the Sunrise Health Region website www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca.
