The United States has banned exports from XL Foods following an outbreak of E. coli-related illnesses in Canada that could stem from the plant. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded the recall several times since the initial recall, and an inspection from the CFIA found sampling issues with the plant's laboratory.
Gerry Ritz, Canada's federal agriculture minister vigorously defended the country’s meat inspection system Tuesday in the wake of news that U.S. authorities have halted exports after intercapting several shipments at the border, reports the Calgary Herald. Ritz said he was hopeful his American counterpart will lift the ban on product from the Brooks facility of XL Foods Inc. in a few days now that corrective action has been taken.