E. COLI CASES LINKED TO XL FOODS

UPDATED: Eleven cases of E. coli infection in Canada have been linked to the recall of beef from XL Foods, as of Oct. 9. However, there are other ways one can become infected.

E. COLI CASES IN SASKATCHEWAN

UPDATED: E. coli has been found in at least 13 people in Saskatchewan, according to Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health as of Oct. 2.  Federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz says none of the cases in Saskatchewan are linked to the XL Foods plant in Alberta. That was also confirmed by the ministry of health on Oct. 10.

Five cases of E. coli were found in customers of Flip Eatery and Drink in Regina as of Oct. 2. Another three related cases were found later. The restaurant volunteered to close temporarily. The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region did testing and found no E. coli in the restaurant. The restaurant was allowed to reopen on Oct. 9.

HOW E. COLI IS SPREAD

Health Canada says infection can also be spread by:

• By eating or drinking foods contaminated with E. coli
• Consuming unpasteurized milk
• Drinking untreated water  
• Uncooked fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated
• Consuming food that has been in contact with raw meat
• Working around cattle and other animals on farms
• Coming into contact with feces from an infected person

HOW E. COLI CONTAMINATES FOOD

E. coli can get into food through:

• the butchering and processing of meat
• fruits and vegetables that come in contact with improperly composted manure, contaminated water, wildlife and contaminated workers
• cross-contamination between foods during preparation

REDUCING YOUR RISK OF INFECTION

Here is some advice being from health experts on how to reduce the risk of becoming infected with E. coli.

• DON'T EAT ANY RECALLED BEEF -- Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, recommends consumers check the products they have in their fridges and freezers to see if they are on the recall list. This includes any dishes prepared with recalled beef. Any products on the list should be put in the garbage or taken back to the store. CHECK THE RECALL LIST. (It has been growing since it was first released Sept. 16) However, the beef covered under the recall didn't just go to grocery stores. It was also distributed to hotels, restaurants and other institutions.

• WASH YOUR HANDS -- Health Canada says this is one of the best ways to prevent spreading foodborne illnesses.
• PRACTICE SAFE FOOD HANDLING -- Health Canada has tips on how to maintain your kitchen and prepare ingredients.

GETTING SICK

 You may not smell or see anything suspicious about a food contaminated with E.coli. Symptoms take three to four days to develop and can last up to ten days.

The following are symptoms of E.coli infection:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache

Most who get sick with E.coli can rest at home, consume plenty of liquids and wash their hands to deal with their illness. However, those who have symptoms for an extended period of time or who have bloody diarrhea should see a doctor or go to an emergency room.

Some can develop serious conditions, including kidney failure, stroke and seizures. It is possible for E.coli infection to cause death.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK

Pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly.

STORES IMPACTED BY THE RECALL

CLICK TO FIND THE RECALL LIST BY STORE. Click on the store name and find the list of recalled products sold there.

WHAT SOME STORES ARE SAYING ABOUT RETURNING PRODUCTS

• COSTCO --  "Please return the affected product(s) to a Costco Wholesale warehouse for a full refund."
• LOBLAWS -- "If you have any concerns regarding a product purchased from our stores you are invited to return it to any of our stores for a refund or exchange with or without a receipt. Our standard refund process will apply."
• SAFEWAY -- "Customers who are in possession of impacted product should avoid consumption and are encouraged to either discard it or return it to their Safeway for a full refund."
• GIANT TIGER -- "Giant Tiger will accept returns of any beef products if customers have a concern."
• SOBEYS -- "Customers concerned that they may have purchased this product are asked to destroy the product and bring a receipt, product label or empty packaging back to the store where purchased for a full refund."