Alberta launches food safety survey as part of Calgary daycare E. coli outbreak investigation

The Alberta government is taking steps to strengthen food safety in licensed child-care facilities as a result of the daycare E.coli outbreak in Calgary in 2023.

In response to the outbreak and parallel to Alberta Health Services (AHS) investigations, Alberta appointed the external Food Safety and Licensed Facility-Based Child Care Review Panel to identify opportunities for strengthening the legislation and inspection processes that govern food safety in kitchens servicing licensed child-care facilities.

Starting March 26, Albertans can participate in an online survey to help inform the review panel’s implementation of recommendations and Alberta’s public health legislation, regulations, and policies related to food safety.

“The feedback we receive will give us a full perspective, helping ensure we consider every angle as we look to make changes to current food safety regulations,” Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange said in a statement.

The Alberta government said in a press release that they recognize how families, child-care providers, and communities were deeply affected by the E. coli outbreak that struck Calgary child-care facilities in the fall of 2023.

Thirty-eight children and one adult were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. Of these, 23 were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome and eight required peritoneal dialysis. There were no deaths.

AHS declared the E. coli outbreak on Sept. 4, 2023, affecting 11 licensed child-care facilities in Calgary linked to a shared kitchen.

The outbreak lasted 51 days, affecting an additional six secondary sites. There were 448 cases linked to the outbreak, including 359 laboratory-confirmed cases and 89 probable cases.

An investigation into the matter determined the outbreak likely began as a result of tainted meatloaf and vegan loaf served to daycare students. 

The panel submitted its final report last summer outlining 12 main recommendations and 27 sub-recommendations. Alberta’s government began working to address them last July.

Food establishments and the broader food service industry may also be affected if some recommendations are implemented.

The province said in the press release that “continuing implementation and engagement activities is a part of the government’s commitment to acting on the Review Panel’s recommendations and strengthening food safety in licensed child-care facilities across Alberta.”