Topps Meat Recall Expanded Due to E-Coli Contamination

If you're thinking about having a nice juicy burger for dinner make sure you check brands and dates before you cook. Topps Meat has expanded its recall of frozen hamburger patties to 21.7 million pounds due to possible E-Coli 0157:H7 contamination. Topps initial recall earlier in the week caused all Food & Stop and Giant Foods to recall all of their Topps Meat ground beef patties from their stores. The recall was issued in a PRNewswire press release.

Symptoms of E-Coli 0157:H7 exposure can include stomach cramps along with diarrhea and possible bloody diarrhea. Most healthy adults with healthy immune systems are capable of recovery within a week. Some people though can develop a life threatening form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS affects mostly those who are very young, very old or those with damaged immune systems. Anyone with any of the symptoms listed above who may have consumed the contaminated product, are advised to seek immediate medical attention.

Consumers are advised to eat ground beef that has been thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Eating a pink or red beef patty without first verifying a safe internal temperature is a significant risk factor in food borne illnesses.

Customers who may still have any type of Topps Meat frozen ground beef patties in their freezer despite UPC codes, are advised to either return it to the store where the item was purchased for a full refund or to promptly dispose of it.