Calgary Halal Meat Outlets Close Amid RCMP Investigation

In response to an ongoing RCMP investigation into unlawful livestock dealings and illegal slaughter operations in Southern Alberta, the list of Calgary halal meat outlets shuttered due to public health orders has expanded to seven as of Monday.

On Friday, closure orders were issued to five retail outlets, alongside a food wholesaler and distribution warehouse. Subsequently, a catering business affiliated with one of the retailers was compelled to cease operations on Monday. Alberta Health Services (AHS) clarified that the RCMP probe prompted these closures, highlighting concerns over the sale of illicit meat and emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding public health pending a thorough investigation.

The term “uninspected” denotes that officials have been unable to ascertain a verifiable source for the meat being retailed to the public.

AHS has affirmed that the affected businesses will remain closed until a comprehensive food source investigation is concluded. Following this, each establishment will be required to demonstrate that all food items originate from a verified, legitimate source.

Concurrently, as the RCMP pursues its criminal inquiry into the unauthorized meat sales, AHS is conducting its own examination and is contemplating potential public health charges.

Lynn McMullen, a meat microbiologist and University of Alberta professor, underscores the severe risks associated with consuming uninspected meat. McMullen stresses that such products can harbor food-borne pathogens, potentially leading to a spectrum of illnesses ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure.

The term “uninspected” denotes that officials have been unable to ascertain a verifiable source for the meat being retailed to the public. Under Canada’s stringent food safety protocols, all meat available for sale must undergo provincial or federal inspection to mitigate the risk of transmitting diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or scrapie, along with preventing bacterial contamination that poses health hazards to consumers.

While the specific impact on public health remains undetermined, AHS expresses apprehension regarding the considerable number of establishments implicated in the investigation, signaling the seriousness of the situation.

As authorities intensify efforts to address these issues, the closure of halal meat outlets underscores the importance of robust food safety regulations and vigilance in ensuring consumer welfare.