AHS confirms E. coli outbreak in Calgary area

Health officials still haven't pinpointed the source of an E. coli outbreak in Calgary,but they have linked at least two cases to a meat product sold in Calgary and area shops.

Fourteen cases of the bacteria have been confirmed in Calgary, with at least two linked to Paolini'sSausage & Meats Ltd's Hungarian Farmer's Sausage. The product needs to be cooked to destroy potential E. coli bacteria, AHS said in a release.

Dr. Judy MacDonald,Alberta Health Services' medical officer of health for the Calgary zone,says officials have discovered that the sausage is not ready-to-eat, but is actually raw pork, and proper cooking instructionsarenot provided with the product.

"If you do have Hungarian Farmer's Sausage or Hot Hungarian Farmer's Sausage that you purchased before February 2 in Calgary and this seems to be very limited to Calgary and area thatas a precaution, that you cook it. You should regard it as raw meat," she said.

Paolini's has a couple of outlets in Calgary and also supplies many other retailers in the area.

To prevent E. coli infection, individuals are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly, and cook meats fully before eating, in addition to washing fruits and vegetables before eating and using only pasteurized dairy and juice products.