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E. coli 0157:H7 at Taco Bell Restaurants

Ottawa, December 7, 2006 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are closely following an outbreak investigation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) into recent illnesses caused by E. coli 0157:H7 that have been associated with Taco Bell Restaurants in the North Eastern States.

Taco Bell Canada announced it was voluntarily removing green onions from its restaurants after preliminary tests by Taco Bell Corporation U.S.A. indicated the possible presence of E. coli 0157:H7 in samples of the product. To date, a confirmatory test has not been completed. In view of this, FDA is continuing to explore the possibility of other food commodities being the source of the E. coli 0157:H7.

There have been no illnesses reported in Canada linked to the U.S. outbreak. PHAC alerted public health officials in Canada on December 6. PHAC is also working with the CDC and is monitoring health reports across the country to detect, at the earliest possible moment, any indications that a similar situation may be present in Canada.

CFIA is working with the FDA on this investigation and is in communication with Taco Bell Canada. If investigations identify a source of contamination, the CFIA will take immediate action to advise the public and verify the effective removal of the product from the marketplace. There are less than 200 Taco Bell locations in Canada with restaurants located in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Maritimes.

Taco Bell Canada customers and employees with any questions are encouraged to call the Taco Bell Canada customer hotline at 1-866-664-5696.

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