A Calgary daycare involved in an E. coli outbreak affecting multiple centers is shown. The Canadian Press
A recent report into a major E. coli outbreak at child-care centers in Calgary has revealed that the outbreak, which affected hundreds, was likely caused by contaminated meat loaf served during a specific meal. However, the exact source of the bacteria remains unclear.
Released on Monday, the report by Alberta Health Services (AHS) concluded that while the outbreak was connected to a meal from a central kitchen operated by the catering company Fueling Minds, the exact origin of the bacteria could not be pinpointed. It remains uncertain whether the contamination came from an ingredient in the meatloaf, from another source on the menu, or from an infected kitchen worker.
The outbreak, which was declared on September 4, 2023, resulted in 448 confirmed infections. Of those affected, 38 children and one adult were hospitalized, with 23 of the severe cases developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. Eight individuals required peritoneal dialysis to manage their kidney issues. Additionally, 33 secondary cases were reported, involving household members and children from other daycares. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
According to the report, this was the largest gastrointestinal outbreak in AHS history and one of the most significant STEC outbreaks involving child-care facilities. The central kitchen served a substantial number of people, including 1,275 attendees and 250 child-care workers, as well as those who consumed leftovers.
The investigation identified the beef meatloaf served on August 29, 2023, as the most probable source of the outbreak. The report noted that workers who consumed the meatloaf were 23 times more likely to become infected compared to those who did not eat it.
In response to the outbreak, Alberta initiated a third-party review to prevent future incidents. The review, conducted by the Food Safety and Licensed Facility-Based Child Care Review Panel, outlined 12 key recommendations. These include increasing inspection frequency at child-care facilities, mandating food safety training for workers, and enhancing the response to food safety concerns. The government is also considering a requirement for licensed child-care providers to display their latest public health inspection reports prominently.
Premier Danielle Smith has pledged to act on these recommendations to protect children's safety and restore public trust. Matt Jones, minister of jobs, economy, and trade, emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, ensuring that child-care operators adhere to new regulations.
Opposition critic Diana Batten criticized the government's handling of the outbreak, accusing them of failing to address previous health violations at Fueling Minds and questioning the future of public health oversight amidst changes to AHS.
Following the outbreak, the Fueling Minds kitchen was closed and later reopened under new management in November. The daycare provider has expressed commitment to reviewing the report and ensuring the health and safety of children. Fueling Minds and its directors are facing charges for operating without a proper license, with a trial scheduled for September.
