E. coli warning issued for ground beef sold at Montréal market in Saint-Léonard
The MAPAQ and city health officials warn against consuming lean ground beef from Marché Atlas packaged July 8. The product may contain E. coli O157:H7.
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The Quebec agriculture ministry is warning residents not to consume lean ground beef sold July 8 at Marché Atlas in Saint-Léonard due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
The affected product was sold at the market's location on Jean-Talon East only. It came in variable-weight packages in polystyrene trays covered with plastic film and was kept refrigerated.
The ministry emphasizes that proper cooking destroys the bacteria. However, raw or undercooked meat poses a risk. Preparation of dishes like meat sauce, shepherd's pie, or meat pie requires long cooking times at sufficiently high temperatures. Cross-contamination must be avoided: after handling raw meat, surfaces, utensils, and hands should be thoroughly cleaned.
Symptoms of E. coli infection—diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes bloody stools—typically appear two to ten days after consuming contaminated food. Nausea, vomiting, and fever may also occur. Symptoms usually resolve within five to ten days, but anyone experiencing these should consult a doctor immediately. No cases linked to this product have been reported.
At a glance
Where was the contaminated ground beef sold?
The lean ground beef was sold at Marché Atlas's location on Jean-Talon East in Saint-Léonard on July 8, 2026.
What contamination risk does the product pose?
The ground beef may contain E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. Proper cooking destroys the bacteria, but raw or undercooked meat poses a risk.
What are the symptoms of E. coli infection?
Symptoms typically appear two to ten days after consuming contaminated food and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes bloody stools, along with possible nausea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms usually resolve within five to ten days, but anyone experiencing them should consult a doctor immediately.
