More pork products recalled over E. coli fears

CALGARY- The Canadian Food Inspection agency is recalling several more pork products because of possible E. coli contamination.

A recall involving Vinh Fat Food Products of Edmonton has been expanded to include frozen pork products sold on several more dates.  Frozen spring rolls, pork buns and pork wontons sold from 10630 – 97th Street, Edmonton  between July 10- September 8, 2014, inclusively may be contaminated with e.coli.

Some pork products sold from V&T Meat Wholesale in Chestermere have also been recalled. The products were distributed to and sold from Trimming Fresh Meats Ltd in Calgary between July 10 and September 5, 2014 and Hiep Hoa Asian Food also of Calgary  July 15-July 29 and August 14- August 17. According to the CFIA products from these locations may have also been distributed to restaurants and other retailers.

Health officials believe contaminated pork is linked to at least 100 of the 157 human cases of E.coli that have occurred in Alberta since July 15.  An initial recall was first announced on September 4, 2014.  It involved all raw pork products sold at V&T Meat & Foods, located at 3012- 17 Ave SE in Calgary between July 14 and September 2, 2014 and Hiep Thanh Trading, located at 10718 – 98  Street NW in Edmonton between July 10 and September 3, 2014.

Most forms of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause bloody diarrhea, and severe anemia or kidney failure, which can lead to death. Other strains of the germ can cause urinary infections or other infections.

People can get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces, or stool, of humans or animals. This can happen when you drink water or eat food that has been contaminated by feces.

To reduce your risk of E. coli, AHS recommends the following:

• Wash your hands with hot, soapy water often, including after you go to the washroom, before you prepare food, after you touch raw meat, and after you change diapers.
• Cook beef to at least 71 °C (160 °F).
• Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Thoroughly wash all kitchen tools and surfaces that have touched raw meat.
• Use only pasteurized milk, dairy and juice products.
• Use only treated, or chlorinated, drinking water.
• When you travel to countries that may have unsafe drinking water, don’t use ice or drink tap water, and avoid consuming raw fruits and vegetables, except those with skin that you peel yourself.

For more information, visit Alberta Health Service’s website.

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