The Canada Food Inspection Agency issued a warning on Thursday that some frozen beef and bison burger patties sold at a number of meat stores under various brand names across B.C. may contain dangerous E. coli bacteria.
British Columbia consumers are being warned not to eat ground beef distributed by Trimpac Meat Distributors of Vancouver because it may be contaminated.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said six retailers sold the ground beef between February and May.

The supplier and the retailers recalled the meat. The CFIA warns consumers to check the date and source of the products before using them. So far, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the products.

Food contaminated with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled, but consumption may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, and in severe cases people may die, the CFIA said.

The recall is limited to retailers and products listed below:

• Eric's Meat Market, Kaslo BC Lean ground beef (fresh) Various March 6 to 16, 2008; and, April 16 to May 11, 2008.


• Slaters Meats Ltd., Victoria BC Bison Patties (frozen) Prime Rib Patties (frozen) Chuck Patties (frozen) 5 units per package March 18 to May 13, 2008.


• Slaters Meats Ltd., Victoria BC Trimpac brand Beef Prime Rib Burger 6 oz. (frozen) Item # 10915 Various weights Pack Dates: 2008.MR.14 2008.AL.18 2008.AL.22 Regardless of date of sale.


• Ozark Country Meats, Surrey BC 6 oz. Prime Rib Beef Burgers (frozen) 2, 3 or 4 units per package March 14 to April 11, 2008.


• Tango's Gourmet Meats Ltd., Vancouver BC Prime Rib Burgers (frozen) 2 or 4 units per package Feb. 22 to 29, 2008; March 20 to 27, 2008; and, May 2 to 9, 2008.


• Heringer's Olde Fashioned Quality, Richmond BC 1/4 Pound Burgers (frozen) Various March 28 and 29, 2008.


• Jackson's on Granville Vancouver BC Prime Rib Beef Patties (frozen) Various Feb. 26 to March 26, 2008; and, April 25 to May 13, 2008

Recall notice