Free Readers Ensemble


Wm. B. Sullivan Realty & Co.

RAVINIA
"A Great time in a
Wonderful Place" SJC 


Adopt a Pet, Come for a Visit


CAGIS Archaeological
Consulting Services


October  6, 2007

commentary by Ed Vincent

Disturbing news about food safety has filled the news for a week now, with little detail as to how and why.  The e-coli
infestation mechanism has not been commented on, but there have been reports stating that procedures were not in place or were not being followed by some of the largest meat processors around. 

It is not a good sign;  but it is a good result; that if greed; avarice; and a lack of safety; are all being driven down the road of public abuse for pure profits; it is fitting that these ventures suffer financial ruin.  For the buyers of the cheapest price perhaps this may make a statement as well.

News reports came out today of Sam's Club having recalls on some of their products, even though the news is a week old.  The sad thing is that if you go to the Samsclub.com
website and search for meat or angus recalls--their is no
reply, no news, no information.  There is more to life than
just cheap prices, but there is also something missing with
care for the public and your business when you keep harmful information close to the chest.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2007

Topps Meat Company LLC Expands Ground Beef Recall To Help Ensure Consumer Safety

Elizabeth, New Jersey – Topps Meat Company LLC., located in Elizabeth, NJ, has voluntarily expanded its recall announced on September 25 to include 21.7 million pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

This represents all products produced by Topps with a “sell by date”

or “best if used by date” that falls between September 25, 2007 and September 25, 2008. This information may be found on the back panel of the package. All recalled products will have a USDA establishment number of EST 9748, which is located on the back panel of the package and/or in the USDA legend.

“Because the health and safety of our consumers is our top priority,
we are taking
these expansive measures,” said Vice President of Operations Geoffrey Livermore. “Topps is continuing to work with the USDA, state departments of health, retailers and distributors to ensure the safety of our consumers.

Additionally, we have augmented our internal quality control procedures with microbiologists and food safety experts. We sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns this may cause our consumers.”

The problem was discovered through sampling done by the New York State Department of Health as part of their coordinated investigation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into reported illnesses. This is the first product recall in the 65-year history of Topps.
Products affected by this expanded recall were distributed to retail grocery stores and food service institutions throughout the United States. Based on consumption patterns, the Company believes that
the vast majority of the
recalled product has been consumed.

It is imperative that consumers look for these products in their freezers
immediately. If you have a product marked with the above information, please remove the sell-by date and UPC code and send it to:

Attn: Recall
Coordinator,
Topps Meat Company LLC,
P.O. Box 219, 1161 E. Broad
Street,
Elizabeth, NJ 07207

for a full refund. It is important to dispose the
remaining product immediately.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 exposure could include stomach cramps and diarrhea. Bloody diarrhea may develop. E. coli disease sometimes leads to a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). If you exhibited any of these symptoms within 3 to 5 days of consuming any of the products specified above, seek medical attention immediately.

In an abundance of caution, consumers who handle the recalled product are advised to thoroughly wash their hands and contact surfaces. For further information on food safety please contact the USDA web site
at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/index.asp

Topps has established a Consumer Hotline to answer questions

concerning this recall. Consumers may call 888-734-0451 or visit
www.toppsmeat.com

The products subject to the original and expanded recall include:

• 10-pound boxes of “BUTCHER’S BEST 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES 75/25, 4 OZ (4-1), 40 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “BUTCHER’S BEST 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES 75/25, 6 OZ FLAT, 27 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “KOHLER FOODS 4 OZ FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE:
60100, 40 PCS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “KOHLER FOODS 6 OZ FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60200, 27 PCS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “KOHLER FOODS 8 OZ FLAT HAMBURGER, CODE: 60300, 20 PCS.”

• 3-pound boxes of “MIKE'S 12 SEASONED BEEF PATTIES.”

• 5-pound boxes of “MIKE'S 20 SEASONED BEEF PATTIES.”

• 3-pound boxes of “PATHMARK 100% ALL BEEF BURGERS, 16 BEEF BURGERS.”

• 5-pound boxes of “PATHMARK 100% ALL BEEF BURGERS, 20 BEEF BURGERS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “PATHMARK 100% ALL BEEF BURGERS, 40 BEEF BURGERS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “RASTELLI'S FINE FOODS 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 10 OZ H, 16 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “RASTELLI'S FINE FOODS 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 3.2 OZ, 50 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “RASTELLI'S FINE FOODS 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 4 OZ, 40 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “RASTELLI'S FINE FOODS 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 6 OZ FLAT, 27 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “RASTELLI'S FINE FOODS 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 8 OZ FLAT, 20 COUNT.”

• 10 pound boxes of RASTELLI'S FINE FOODS 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (85/15), 6 OZ, FLAT 27 COUNT.

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 2 OZ, 80 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 3.2 OZ, 50 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 4 OZ, 40 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 5 OZ, 32 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 5.3 OZ, 30 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ, 27 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 7 OZ, 23 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 8 OZ FLAT, 20 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 8 OZ H, 20 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “ROMA - TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 10 OZ H, 16 PIECES.”

• 3-pound bags of “SAM'S CHOICE BACKYARD GOURMET BEEF BURGERS, 75/25, 12 QUARTER POUND ROUND PATTIES.”

• 6-pound bags of “SAM'S CHOICE BACKYARD GOURMET BEEF BURGERS, 75/25, 24 QUARTER POUND ROUND PATTIES.”

• 3-pound bags of “SAM'S CHOICE BACKYARD GOURMET BEEF BURGERS, 80/20, 12 QUARTER POUND ROUND PATTIES.”

• 3-pound bags of “SAM'S CHOICE BACKYARD GOURMET BEEF BURGERS, 85/15, 12 QUARTER POUND ROUND PATTIES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (75/25), 8 OZ FLAT, 20 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 4 OZ, 40 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 6 OZ, 27 COUNT.

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (80/20), 8 OZ FLAT, 20 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (85/15), 3.2 OZ, 50 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (85/15), 4 OZ, 40 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (85/15), 6 OZ FLAT, 27 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT 100% PREMIUM BEEF HAMBURGER (85/15), 10 OZ H, 16 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SAND CASTLE FINE MEAT ANGUS CHUCK BURGER (80/20), 8 OZ FLAT, 20 COUNT.”

• 3-pound boxes of “SHOP RITE 100% PURE GROUND BEEF
HAMBURGERS, 16 3 OZ BURGERS.”

• 3-pound boxes of “SHOP RITE 100% PURE QUARTER POUND GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS.”

• 5-pound boxes of “SHOP RITE 100% PURE QUARTER POUND GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “SHOP RITE 100% PURE QUARTER POUND GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 1 OZ SLIDER.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 10 OZ (PUB BURGER).”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 2 OZ.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 2.67 OZ.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 3 OZ HOMESTYLE.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 4 OZ.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGERS, 4 OZ (4-1) HOMESTYLE.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 4 OZ FLAT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 5 OZ, 32 PIECES.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGERS 5 OZ (1/2- inch)”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ (5/8- inch).”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ (85/15).”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ (HOMESTYLE).”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ (PUB BURGER).”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 7 OZ.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 7 OZ (75/25).”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 8 OZ FLAT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGERS, 8 OZ (PUB BURGER)”

• 1.5-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 3 OZ (8 COUNT).”

• 2-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 3 OZ, 10 COUNT.”

• 3-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 6 OZ. PUB BURGERS.”

• 2-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 8 QUARTER POUNDERS.”

• 3-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 12 QUARTER POUNDERS.”

• 3-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 16 HAMBURGERS.”

• 5-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 20 QUARTER POUNDERS.”

• 8-pound boxes of “TOPPS 100% PURE GROUND BEEF HAMBURGERS, 32 QUARTER POUNDERS.”

• 2-pound boxes of “TOPPS SIRLOIN STEAK BURGERS WITH FIREROASTED ONIONS, 6 1/3 LB. HOMESTYLE BURGERS.”

• 2-pound boxes of “TOPPS SIRLOIN STEAK BURGERS WITH PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS, 6 1/3 LB. HOMESTYLE BURGERS.”

• 2-pound boxes of “TOPPS SIRLOIN STEAK BURGERS, 6 1/3 LB. HOMESTYLE BURGERS.”

• 10-pound boxes of “TOPPS HAMBURGERS, 3.2 OZ, 50 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WEST SIDE 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 3 OZ, 53 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WEST SIDE 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 3.2 OZ, 50 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WEST SIDE 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 4 OZ, 40 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WESTSIDE, 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 5 OZ FLAT, 32 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WEST SIDE 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ, 27 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WESTSIDE, 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 6 OZ FLAT, 27 COUNT.”

• 10-pound boxes of “WESTSIDE, 100% PREMIUM HAMBURGER, 8 OZ
FLAT, 20 COUNT.”
###





© Suburban Journals of  Chicago Inc.
published by Suburban Journals of  Chicago Inc.