Blog 8

Public Health Notice: E. coli O157 illness related to beef

Updated : 12 October 2012

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fs-sa/phn-asp/ecoli-1012-eng.php

Products that have E coli in them can pose a serious risk.  The Public Health Agency of Canada has been working with the Health and food safety partners investigating E coli 0157 illness.  There are two E coli 0157 cases under investigation now in British Columbia.  Both of which have been linked to a specific strand of E coli.  Investigating such outbreaks can be very complex and time consuming.  Since September 26^th, 2012 with the help of The Public Health Agency of Canada, the food safety partners and Health Canada amongst others, they have been investigating these out breaks.  After all of the investigations there has been a total of 15 out breaks associated with XL Foods INC. E Coli 0157.  This is a food borne pathogen very common in Canada.  Furthering the investigation, everyone involved will take more efforts in protecting those who have been exposed to the disease or those who may become exposed to the disease.  Luckily most strands of Ecoli are harmless but other strans may cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, and some severe cases man even cause kidney failure

We have heard so much about E coli and its effects over the course of the years.  Every time I hear about it I am amazed by how prevalent it is and how easy it really is to get it.  I believe that Canada is doing a great job with investigating the problem and the cause of it.  With enough support and people from various backgrounds with different knowledge, all working together for one common cause, there is no reason why the source of the problem cannot be found.  They also give great tips on not only how to prevent one from getting it But also general food safety guidelines, and various symptoms of someone who may have already been exposed to the disease, and ways in which to protect yourself.  I think this article was successful in outlining the problem, addressing it and giving just enough information to the public where they could be informed hopeful and not scared.