A Shadow Over Supper: E. coli Scare Hits London's J.M. Foods

There's a knot in the stomach feeling that comes with news of a food recall, isn't there? Especially when it hits close to home, right here in London, Ontario. Shoppers who frequent J.M. Foods, or J & M Meat and Produce as some know it, are now being urged to pay very close attention to their recent grocery hauls.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the CFIA for short, stepped in this past Thursday, issuing a rather serious alert. It turns out, a whole range of raw beef and veal products, sold between April 30th and May 9th, 2024, at the store on Hamilton Road, might just be contaminated with something none of us ever want to hear about in our food: E. coli O157:H7.

Now, E. coli O157:H7, for those unfamiliar, is truly no laughing matter. It can, quite frankly, wreak havoc on your system. We're talking nasty symptoms: nausea, vomiting, some pretty severe abdominal cramps, and even bloody diarrhea. And, let's be honest, in rare but terrifying instances, it can lead to kidney failure and, yes, even be fatal, especially for the very young, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It's a sobering thought, isn't it?

So, what exactly are we looking for? Well, the list is extensive. Think your everyday essentials: ground beef, lean ground beef, even those tempting beef patties for the grill. But it doesn't stop there. Stewing beef, sirloin tip roasts, various cuts of steak – sirloin, prime rib, T-bone – and even veal products like chops, cutlets, and veal stew are all implicated. Honestly, if it's raw beef or veal and you bought it during that window, best to assume it's on the list.

Here's the critical part, and please, take this to heart: if you have any of these products in your fridge or freezer, do not, under any circumstances, consume them. Seriously, don't even think about it. The advice is clear: either toss it straight into the bin or, if you prefer, return it to J.M. Foods for a refund. And just as a side note, it's also paramount that these recalled items aren't sold, served, or distributed by anyone else either. Keep an eye out for friends and neighbours, perhaps.

And what if you've already consumed some? If you find yourself experiencing any of those aforementioned symptoms – and frankly, let's hope not – please, reach out to your healthcare provider without delay. The good news, if there is any to be found in such a situation, is that as of now, the CFIA hasn't received any reports of illnesses linked to these products. Still, vigilance is key, wouldn't you say? The CFIA's food safety investigation continues, because ultimately, our plates deserve to be safe, every single time.