Meat recall prompts boost for local meat producers
The recall of meat processed at the XL Foods plant in Alberta now affects every province and territory, causing some local meat producers to see a boost in business.
At Yerxa's Meats Inc., in Scotch Settlement, staff are ramping up beef production.
The company sells and processes locally grown meat and has seen a sharp spike in sales at both of Fredericton's farmer's markets.
With customers apprehensive about buying beef from the U.S. or Alberta, owner Larry Yerxa said the company is trying not to run short.
"One lady, Saturday at the Boyce Market said 'I guess this is sort of a wake–up call for us and you'll see our purchasing habits change in the next six months.'"
The latest expansion of the recall includes cuts of steak, roasts, stewing beef, and beef breakfast sausage, amongst others.
All of the recalled beef comes from the XL meat processing plant in Brooks, Alta.
Four cases of E. coli–related illness have been confirmed in Alberta. Others are under investigation.
The public, distributors and food service establishments are being told not to consume, sell, or serve the meat. The products in question were manufactured at the XL Foods plant on Aug. 24, 27, 28, 29 and Sept. 5.
The situation has some New Brunswick grocery shoppers questioning Canada's food safety systems and rethinking what they buy.
"We bought from the grocery store all the time, and now I'm just scared to feed it to — you know, I'm going to get food poisoning or something [or] give it to my kid," said one customer.
But not everyone is worried.
"I mean, those things happen. You expect it. It's no different than any other product," said another customer.
A spokesperson for the province's cattle producers said there has been no effect on the New Brunswick market so far, that it is too early to tell whether the provincial market will see an effect.
