Public Health Agency Of Canada Investigating E. Coli Outbreak
By Sam Lewis
Cheese farm in British Columbia is the culprit of 21 confirmed illnesses
Canada’s Public Health Agency is currently investigating 21 cases of E. coli across 5 Canadian provinces. The illnesses are related to contaminated cheese originating from Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. On Sept 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency initiated a recall on 14 raw milk and cheese products, with an additional item added to the recall list on Sept. 19. These products were sold at the Gort’s Farm, online, and in retail stores throughout Alberta and British Columbia between May 27 and Sept. 14.
The number of cases has jumped by seven since Saturday, with new cases arriving in provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. Additionally, Alberta and British Columbia each have nine confirmed cases of illness. Those reporting illnesses did so between mid-July and early-Sept. There has been one confirmed death in British Columbia linked to the Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm contamination.
Symptoms of infection from E. coli include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. These symptoms can last anywhere from five to ten days. Severe cases of infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a life-threatening kidney disease.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued the following statement regarding the outbreak: “There is currently no indication of widespread risk to Canadians. However, E. coli O157:H7 can pose a serious public health risk. Additional cases of illness may be identified and linked to this outbreak in the future.” In addition, the agency is reminding people to prevent the spread of all food-borne illnesses, including E. coli, by practicing proper hygiene. The measures of proper hygiene include hand washing before and after cooking, along with sanitizing cooking and preparation surfaces, knives, and cutting boards.
Though the source of the outbreak has not yet been found, one of Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm’s co-owners offered her sincerest apologies. “We are so sorry, and we are trying to get to the source of the E. coli, but we don't know the source, and we don't know what happened,” said Kathy Wikkerink, speaking through tears.