Saskatchewan is reporting a spike in E. coli cases but is waiting for lab tests before linking them to the massive beef recall from an Alberta plant.  The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday that there were 13 reported cases of E. coli infection in the province last month. The usual number for September is between zero and four.  “Public health authorities are investigating these cases and conducting tests to determine whether they are linked to the recall,” reads a government release. “Laboratory results are expected within the next few days.”

Health officials in Alberta Tuesday confirmed one new case, bringing the province’s total to 10.  Five of these cases have been linked to steaks that were processed at the XL Foods Inc. plant in southern Alberta and purchased at a Costco store in Edmonton.

For current information on the location of XL’s meat that has entered the United States visit an updated retail distribution list are posted on FSIS’ website at www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.  Here is what we know to date:

Albertson’s – All locations in Oregon and Washington State

Baker’s – Stores in Nebraska

City Market – Stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming

Dillon’s – Stores in Kansas and Missouri

Food 4 Less – Stores in California, Illinois and Indiana

Foods Co. – Stores in California

Fred Meyer – Nationwide

Fry’s – Stores in Arizona

Gerbes – Stores in Kansas and Missouri

Haggen Northwest Fresh – Stores in Washington and Oregon

Hilander – Stores in Illinois and Indiana

Jay C – Stores in Illinois and Indiana

King Soopers – Stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming

Kroger – Stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia;

Owen’s – Stores in Illinois and Indiana

Pay Less – Stores in Illinois and Indiana

QFC – Nationwide

Ralph’s – Stores in California

Safeway – Locations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington State

Sam’s Club – Locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

Scott’s – Stores in Illinois and Indiana

Smith’s Stores – Nationwide

TOP Food and Drug – Stores in Washington and Oregon

Walmart – Nationwide

Yesterday I spoke with two people from Alberta who have been diagnosed with E. coli and the son of a woman in Wisconsin whose mom is still hospitalized with E. coli.  Both are awaiting confirmation linking them to the XL recall.