Agriculture Minister Verlyn Olson says he has no concerns about Alberta beef’s latest black eye.

Speaking to reporters Friday afternoon, Olson refused to comment on whether the system in place for food safety failed Albertans.

“I”m staying away from finger pointing,” he says. “The case at the XL Foods plant in Brooks is a work in progress.”

Olson, who hasn’t been in his portfolio for long, adds he’s been in close contact with his federal counterpart Gerry Ritz, his department and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

His Deputy Minister spoke with the owners of the facility Friday morning.

And while the minister wouldn’t comment on whether there was any sort of contingency plan for the 2,000 Brooks residents out of work, he adds his government remains committed to helping where it can.

“We’re doing what we can, we’ve offered technical help but it is a federally regulated plant,” he explains.

“It’s important to keep in mind, we have other plants in Alberta that are producing the highest quality product,” says Olson who adds he has no personal problem in going into a grocery store and purchasing beef.

He shied away from giving any sort of timeline on when to expect a resolution.

“I would just say, I want it done yesterday!”