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The following food recall notice was released by Canada Safeway on July 11, 2002.

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HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

GOURMET MEAT SHOPPE BIG & JUICY BURGERS MAY CONTAIN DANGEROUS BACTERIA

Calgary, July 11, 2002 – Canada Safeway Limited is warning the public not to consume Gourmet Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy Burgers, because this product may contain Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 bacteria.

Only packages made on April 24 are impacted by this voluntary recall. The recalled product is sold in a 1.13 kg. box, with an embossed code 1114 02 and UPC 58200 10650. Each box contains a plastic bag of 8 burgers sealed with a white bag tag, which may or may not be imprinted with a code, the first three digits being 114.

For this reason Safeway is asking its customers to check their freezers and return Gourmet Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy Burgers to any Safeway store for a full refund. This recall impacts stores in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Fort St. John, B.C., Dawson Creek, B.C. and Cranbrook, B.C.

There have been four cases of reported illness, which may be linked to the improper cooking of this product. E. Coli 0157:H7 may cause life-threatening illness by producing a toxin that breaks down the lining of the intestines and damages the kidneys. Food contaminated with E. coli bacteria will not look or smell spoiled. This product should not be consumed.

Consumers are reminded that all ground beef product is safe if properly handled and cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 71 degrees C or 160 degrees F.

Consumers can contact Canada Safeway by calling 1-800-SAFEWAY .

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For more information please contact:

Toby Oswald - Felker
Vice President Public Relations and Government Affairs
(403) 730-3511

CFIA spokespeople:

For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.