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Federal meat inspectors at XL Foods plant told to "ignore" contamination
Jill Mahoney
The Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Nov.29 2012, 9:45 AM EST
Federal meat inspectors at the XL Foods plant that sparked the country’s largest beef recall were ordered to “ignore” contamination on carcasses for Canadian consumers while giving extra scrutiny to meat destined for Japan, according to a 2008 memo.
The document, obtained by CTV News, instructs inspectors to turn a blind eye to visible fecal and intestinal contaminants on beef carcasses, except for those headed for Japanese markets. Japan instituted restrictions on Canadian imports in the wake of the BSE scare.
“Our number 1 priority is to ensure this standard is met with Japan eligible carcasses,” says the Sept. 12, 2008 memo from a meat hygiene supervisor.
“When stationed at this position, ensure that non Japan eligible carcasses are not inspected for spinal cord/dura-mater, OCD [other carcass defects] and minor ingesta (Ignore them).”
The memo, which was reissued to Canadian Food Inspection Agency meat inspectors in 2010 and 2011, said that the contaminants would be detected later in the production process.
However, the inspectors’ union disputed that contention. The position referred to in the document is “the last inspection station on the line,” said Bob Kingston, president of the Agriculture Union, which represents inspectors. “So I’m not sure what they think comes later in the process that would pick that up.”
In a statement Thursday, the CFIA said “the same stringent food safety standards” are applied to all carcasses processed in Canada, whether they will be exported or consumed domestically.
“There is zero tolerance for any form of contamination, and critical control points to detect problems are in place at multiple points throughout the inspection process,” the statement says. “If at any time during inspection a potential risk to food safety is detected – regardless of the product’s destination – the line is stopped and product is held until the concern is resolved and product is in compliance.”
Two shipments of raw-beef trimmings from the XL Foods plant in Brooks, Alta., tested positive for E. coli on Sept. 4. However, a public health alert wasn't issued until nearly two weeks later.
By the time the plant’s licence was suspended on Sept. 27, more than 20 countries had received recalled XL beef products. At least 18 Canadians were made ill by E. coli after eating meat from the Alberta slaughterhouse.
Jill Mahoney
The Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Nov.29 2012, 9:45 AM EST
Federal meat inspectors at the XL Foods plant that sparked the country’s largest beef recall were ordered to “ignore” contamination on carcasses for Canadian consumers while giving extra scrutiny to meat destined for Japan, according to a 2008 memo.
The document, obtained by CTV News, instructs inspectors to turn a blind eye to visible fecal and intestinal contaminants on beef carcasses, except for those headed for Japanese markets. Japan instituted restrictions on Canadian imports in the wake of the BSE scare.
“Our number 1 priority is to ensure this standard is met with Japan eligible carcasses,” says the Sept. 12, 2008 memo from a meat hygiene supervisor.
“When stationed at this position, ensure that non Japan eligible carcasses are not inspected for spinal cord/dura-mater, OCD [other carcass defects] and minor ingesta (Ignore them).”
The memo, which was reissued to Canadian Food Inspection Agency meat inspectors in 2010 and 2011, said that the contaminants would be detected later in the production process.
However, the inspectors’ union disputed that contention. The position referred to in the document is “the last inspection station on the line,” said Bob Kingston, president of the Agriculture Union, which represents inspectors. “So I’m not sure what they think comes later in the process that would pick that up.”
In a statement Thursday, the CFIA said “the same stringent food safety standards” are applied to all carcasses processed in Canada, whether they will be exported or consumed domestically.
“There is zero tolerance for any form of contamination, and critical control points to detect problems are in place at multiple points throughout the inspection process,” the statement says. “If at any time during inspection a potential risk to food safety is detected – regardless of the product’s destination – the line is stopped and product is held until the concern is resolved and product is in compliance.”
Two shipments of raw-beef trimmings from the XL Foods plant in Brooks, Alta., tested positive for E. coli on Sept. 4. However, a public health alert wasn't issued until nearly two weeks later.
By the time the plant’s licence was suspended on Sept. 27, more than 20 countries had received recalled XL beef products. At least 18 Canadians were made ill by E. coli after eating meat from the Alberta slaughterhouse.
