Topps calls it quits; Cargill recalls patties
Apr 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The threat of E coli has had a major impact on beef patty producers recently. One meat company has been forced to shut down its operations, and another has announced a voluntary recall of the patties.
Because of the economic impact of the second-largest beef recall in United States history involving more than 21.7 million pounds of ground beef products, Topps Meat Co said it is forced to close its Elizabeth NJ plant and go out of business effective October 5.
A small number of the 87 employees will remain at the Elizabeth plant for an indefinite time to assist the US Department of Agriculture in its ongoing investigation and to handle administrative matters.
Topps was founded in 1940.
Cargill Meat Solutions said it is voluntarily recalling approximately 844,812 pounds of frozen ground beef patties because they may be contaminated with E coli O157:H7.
The recall is based on an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as well as Cargill's investigation and findings from a food safety assessment conducted by the USDA at the Cargill ground beef plant in Butler WI. Minnesota officials had investigated four cases of E coli O157:H7 infection involving individuals who had consumed American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties purchased at Sam's Club stores in the state. While the investigation is ongoing, Cargill is voluntarily recalling the products, which were produced August 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17, 2007, and distributed nationwide.
Consumers with questions about the recall should phone the company's food safety line at 866-567-7899.
