The public warning issued on February 4 asked consumers to treat Paolini’s Sausage & Meats Ltd’s Hungarian Farmer’s Sausage as though it was a raw meat product and to cook it to an internal temperature of 71 C before consuming.
When the warning was issued, two cases of E. coli infection had been linked to consuming Paolini’s sausage products out of a total of 14 illnesses. Alberta health Services said at that time they were still investigating the outbreak.
CFIA recall of Hillview Meat Processor raw pork products
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported that Hillview Meat Processor in Ottawa has recalled raw pork and pork organ products from the marketplace for possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
The Class 1 recall was triggered by findings of the CFIA, Alberta Health Services, and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry investigation into the Alberta outbreak that involves at least 16 confirmed cases of E. coli infections this month. Four people have been hospitalized but are recovering, according to Global News Canada.
The affected pork products from Hillview Meat Processor’s may have been made into raw muscle meat cuts, ground pork, sausages, and raw ready-to-eat products. The affected products, which may have been sold fresh or frozen, have only been distributed in Alberta.
The CFIA further says the products under this recall notice are known to have been sold or distributed by several Calgary companies up to and including Feb. 16, 2016, including Paolini’s Sausage and Meat Ltd., Trimming Fresh Meats, V&T Meats, Leung Ky Meat and Seafood Ltd., Community Foods, Hungarian Deli, and Rocky’s Sausage Haus.
Additionally, the affected products could have been sold as pre-packaged or as clerk-served, and with or without a label. Consumers who are unsure of a product they have purchased are advised to check with their retailer or in an abundance of caution, throw it out.
CFIA is advising people to not consume the products, and food service establishments, retailers, distributors and manufacturers in Alberta, should not serve, use, or sell these products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.