BROOKS, AB (NEWS11.30) – The meat processing company at the centre of an E. coli outbreak is recalling 800 workers it laid off only a day earlier, breaking an impasse that kept federal inspectors from completing their work.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency‘s review of the processing at XL Foods ground to a halt this weekend when the firm announced it was temporarily laying off 2,000 workers.

Federal inspectors said they had nothing to inspect without the workers handling the beef.

The Brooks, Alberta-based company had blamed the layoff decision on the fact the government hadn’t given it a firm date for when it would get its license back to fully resume operations. But XL has now recalled 800 workers to help the CFIA finish its job.
   
The inspectors are currently halfway through a review of how XL workers process beef carcasses. If they’re satisfied with what they see, XL could get its licence back.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says he’s pleased with XL’s decision.  He says food safety inspectors will continue to work to ensure all safety issues at the X-L plant are corrected.