E. coli Nationwide Food Recall

Topps Meat Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef products

October 7, 2007

COUNTY NC NEWS -- Topps Meat Company, LLC, an Elizabeth, New Jersey, establishment, has again voluntarily expanded its September 2, 2007 food recall of more than 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef products because they may be contaminated with Ecoli O157:H7.

Ecoli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to this foodborne illness.

The frozen ground beef products were produced on various dates over the last year between September 25, 2006, and September 25, 2007, and were distributed to food service institutions in the New York metropolitan area and to retail establishments nationwide including North Carolina.

The food recall is being expanded due to additional positive product sample reported by the New York Health Department, reported illnesses and findings from a food safety assessment conducted by FSIS at the establishment.

Furthermore, there are currently 32 illnesses under investigation in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. An investigation carried out by the New York Department of Health in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preceded the food recall of September 25, 2007.

Frozen beef products still in commerce with an unexpired sell-by date are subject to this recall expansion. It is important that consumers look for the recalled products and return them to retailers if found in their freezers.

The following products have been added to the food recall and bear the establishment number "Est. 5712" inside the USDA mark of inspection and "9748" on a sticker or inkjet printed on the back panel of the package as well as a sell-by date between "SEP 25 07" and "SEP 25 08."

The first expanded food recall called for the return of packages bearing the establishment number "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a sell-by date between "SEP 25 07" and "SEP 25 08."

Even though this is a voluntary food recall, it is still classified as a USDA CLASS I RECALL, which is considered a high health risk, and a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. North Carolina consumers, retails and distributors with questions about the potentially Ecoli contaminated food recall should contact the Topps Meat Company's recall line at 888-734-0451.