London, ON - The Middlesex-London Health Unit has been notified of three confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 that have been linked by laboratory evidence to the current recall of Compliments brand Super 8 Beef Burgers. The three London residents are currently recovering. The recall of the burgers was initiated on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. The product has been distributed in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, and sold through Foodland, Sobeys, FreshCo and Price Chopper stores. The recall affects all best before dates of the frozen product.
“The distribution of the burgers affects several provinces. However, as three people have been affected locally, it’s particularly important for residents of Middlesex-London to check their freezers for the recalled burgers. Our advice is to not consume any of these burgers, even if you bought them several months ago,” says Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Health Unit staff members have contacted various food premises to check that they are aware of the recall and that the product is no longer available for sale. Long-term care facilities, hospitals, child care centres and local health care providers also have been advised of the recall.”
Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled. Symptoms of infection include stomach pain and diarrhea, which may be severe and bloody. A serious complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome can develop as a result of E. coli O157:H7 infection, which can require blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, and can be fatal.
Anyone who exhibits signs or symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection, in particular stomach pain and severe or bloody diarrhea, should contact their health care provider.
For more information, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at www.inspection.gc.ca.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit