Officials Investigate E. Coli Outbreak in Canadian Nursery Kitchen
Officials in Canada are currently investigating a major outbreak of E. coli among nursery children that is believed to have originated from a kitchen that provides meals for daycare centers. The outbreak, which has so far affected 264 children, has prompted authorities to take immediate action.
Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta’s chief medical officer, revealed that the kitchen in question was inspected after a significant increase in children visiting emergency rooms. According to Dr. Joffe, doctors were able to quickly identify the source of the outbreak and link it to the central kitchen.
Despite ongoing investigations, officials have not yet determined the exact source of the outbreak. The kitchen, operated by a company called Fueling Brains, supplies food to daycare centers across Calgary (where the outbreak is concentrated) and the city of Saskatoon.
The severity of the outbreak is evident as at least six children are currently undergoing dialysis for kidney failure, while more than two dozen others have been diagnosed with haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a disease that damages the kidneys. All affected children are under the age of five.
The number of cases continues to rise, prompting authorities to keep a close watch on the situation. All 11 affected daycares have been closed by emergency officials, although six have been allowed to reopen after safety assurances. Officials have declared it safe for children to return to these facilities.
An inspection of the kitchen was conducted by Alberta Health Services on September 5, the day after the E. coli outbreak was officially declared. The inspection report cited critical violations, including a pest infestation and improper handling and transportation of food. The presence of live cockroaches and a sewer gas smell were also noted.
The report highlighted that food was not being handled in a safe manner, with food being transported without proper cold storage and sanitizing liquid being improperly mixed, rendering it ineffective as a disinfectant.
Dr. Joffe confirmed that the kitchen has been closed and will only reopen once they are fully satisfied that it meets safety standards.
Fueling Brains, the company responsible for operating the kitchen, has taken swift action since being notified of the outbreak. External providers will now source all food until the kitchen is deemed safe to reopen. Fueling Brains has also been in close communication with parents and staff, ensuring that transparency and cooperation remain a priority.
E. coli, a bacteria infection commonly found in the gut and feces of animals, particularly cattle, is the cause of the outbreak. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and in some cases, fever. About half of those infected experience bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually manifest three to four days after infection but can occur anytime within one to 14 days and last up to two weeks. In rare cases, individuals may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and, in severe cases, death.