Canada-Meatingplace.com-FSIS finds likely source of Topps recall

A joint investigation between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has identified a likely source of the widespread outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to the now defunct Topps Meat Company.

FSIS officials said that late last week the CFIA provided FSIS with PFGE patterns, or DNA fingerprints, from tests of beef trim from a Canadian firm, Ranchers Beef, Ltd., which supplied trim to Elizabeth, N.J.-based Topps. Although Ranchers Beef, located in Balzac, Alberta, ceased operations Aug. 15, some product remained in storage and was collected and tested by CFIA as part of the joint investigation of the Topps recall and as part of its own investigation into 45 illnesses in Canada from E. coli.

“We appreciate the assistance from our food safety partners in Canada. This piece of information helped us to determine a likely source of contaminated product which led to the September 29 Topps Meat Company expanded recall,” Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond said in a press release. “We have a long history of cooperation and collaboration with CFIA.”