Canada - Mechanically Tenderized Beef Recalled Due to E. coli STEC Contamination

A Canadian firm is recalling mechanically tenderized beef due to E. coli O157:H7.  The contamination was found by the company.

It is interesting to note that the safe cooking instructions posted on the Canadian product only requests that the consumer cook the product to 145F (CFIA).   In the United States, USDA requires safe handling instructions for mechanically tenderized beef that state the product be cooked to 145F with a 3 minute rest (USDA) while the US Food Code requires 155F for 15 seconds for food service.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2017-10-17/eng/1508283692898/1508283695906
Food Recall Warning - Mechanically Tenderized Steak recalled due to E. coli O157:H7
 Recall date:October 17, 2017 
Reason for recall:Microbiological - E. coli O157:H7 
Hazard classification:Class 1 
Company / Firm:Vantage Foods (ON) Inc. 
 Distribution:Ontario
Extent of the distribution:Retail   



Contents
 •Recall details
  •Recalled products
  •What you should do
  •Background
  •Illnesses
  •More information
  •Photos
  •Media enquiries
Recall details
Ottawa, October 17, 2017 - Vantage Foods (ON) Inc. is recalling mechanically tenderized steaks from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
The following products have been sold in Food Basics supermarket locations in Ontario.

Recalled products
Brand Name Common Name Size Code(s) on Product UPC
Food Basics Mechanically Tenderized Hip Steak   Variable   Best Before 2017OC17   Starts with 0 211030 
Food Basics Mechanically Tenderized Steak FP   Variable   Best Before 2017OC17   Starts with 0 224015 
 
What you should do
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
•Learn more about the health risks
•Sign up for recall notifications by email, follow us on Twitter, or join the CFIA community on Facebook
•View our detailed explanation of the food safety investigation and recall process

Background

This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.