The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Aladdin Foods have announced a recall in Canada of Aladdin Foods-brand lean ground beef due to contamination with E. coli, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations.
Background
The presence of E. coli was discovered in the impacted product through testing.
This is classified as a Class I recall, which means consuming the affected product poses a high risk of serious health problems or death.
Distribution
The recalled product was only distributed in the Canadian province of Ontario.
Product Details
- Brand – Aladdin Foods
- Product – Lean ground beef
- Size – Variable
- Codes
- Best before February 28, 2025
- Packed on February 24, 2025
- The recalled product was sold at Aladdin’s Food, 9A-611 Wonderland Rd. N, London, Ontario, Canada
Consumer Action
Consumers should search their freezers for the recalled product.
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected product even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled product is requested to not sell, serve, donate, or distribute them.
The affected product should be returned to the place of purchase or thrown away immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the impacted product.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the CFIA by phone at 800-442-2342 toll free in either Canada or the United States or by email at [email protected].
Health Risks
There have been no reports of injuries or illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled product. Any consumer who has come into contact with the impacted item, and is experiencing sickness or symptoms of food poisoning, should contact their medical provider immediately.
The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem by assisting in breaking down the food, contributing to the production of essential vitamins, and acting as a defense mechanism against more dangerous microorganisms.
However, not all E. coli are benign. Certain strains can cause a range of health issues in humans, including gastrointestinal distress resulting in diarrhea, infections of the urinary tract, respiratory ailments like pneumonia, and even severe systemic infections such as sepsis. Symptoms generally appear two to five days after exposure but can emerge anywhere from one to eight days later. Most people recover within 5-10 days.
Of particular concern, however, is the potential for some patients to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure, neurological damage, and in extreme cases, death. This risk makes early medical intervention crucial for infected individuals.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading E. coli lawyer said, “An E. coli infection has the potential to be extremely deadly. I strongly advise consumers to search their homes for the recalled product and, if found, follow all recall instructions.”
