12 Deaths From Tainted Meat Cause Canadian Furor

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says an unprecedented meat recall is proof that the government’s proposed inspection reforms are necessary, despite opposition accusations that the changes will actually undermine food safety, the Globe and Mail reports. Maple Leaf foods has issued a 220-product recall, following a listeriosis infection scandal that has left at least 12 people dead, with dozens more ill.

Though short on details, the government reforms would see some regulatory duties shifted to industry in order to free safety inspectors for other activities. “Obviously we want to make sure that the companies maintain their responsibilities and that we fully review all the facts here to understand what went wrong and how we can prevent it in the future,” Harper said today.
(More recall stories.)