According to FSIS, while Ranchers Beef ceased operations on August 15, 2007, some product remained in storage and was collected and tested by CFIA as part of the joint investigation of the Topps recall and as part of CFIA’s own investigation into 45 illnesses in Canada from E. coli. According to an October 26 statement from CFIA, 45 cases of E. coli were reported from July through September, 2007. Infections hospitalized 11 people and killed one elderly person. The report attributed the unique E. coli pattern found in the majority of the cases to be the same as “samples of beef taken from a meat facility in Alberta.”
Further reports from CFIA dated October 27 through November 6 state that the source of E. coli-in not only ground beef, but also several other cuts of beef distributed through Canada-was directly attributed to Ranchers Beef. The company is currently under receivership and no longer operating. Remaining product in the Ranchers Beef warehouse has been detained by CFIA for further testing. When asked whether there was any connection between the company closing and CFIA action, CFIA spokesman, Garfield Balsom, said there was no correlation.