BREAKING NEWS: No More Meat Ever from Contaminated Company
Effective today, Friday October 5, one of the largest frozen hamburger manufacturers has closed it’s doors for good!
Topps Meat Company - “the hamburger people” - has been in the business of grinding, packaging, freezing, and shipping cow flesh all across this country since 1940. But today that ends, after battling for a month with the second-largest beef recall in U.S. history.
E. coli cases began breaking out in July, and t
he USDA finally announced a recall of the 21.7 million pounds of potentially tainted product on September 25 - almost three weeks after they admittedly knew that the New Jersey-based plant had tested positive for contamination, according to officials at the agency, as reported by The New York Times.
Does this vegetarian jump for joy and consider this a victory? Yes and no.
This is a major opportunity for the public to be educated on the negative effects of a meat-eating diet and potential risks associated with such a menu. Perhaps some people will even try cooking some new meat-free recipes.
It is true, as we certainly know from recent events in the news, that E. coli can infect you through fruits and vegetables as well. However, did you know that six out of seven of the ways that the USDA recommends prepping food in order to avoid illness involve beef or dairy? The only one regarding vegetarian or plant-based foods is: “Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.” So no, I am not immune to coming in contact with E. coli, but look at my chances versus those of a person who regularly consumes cow meat.
Additionally, with such a large force in the meat industry going out of business, there will undoubtedly be less product available. Likewise, such a high-producing company was likely using a (or multiple) factory farms as suppliers; therefore, the impact will trickle down the line.
But why do I see this as not a good thing? Only one reason. Eighty-seven people lost their jobs today. Although, perhaps they have the most need for, and ability to be deeply affected by this event.
October 5th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
This perfectly shows the reasons why I won’t buy packages meat products or eat meat in restaurants. With a huge plant, there’s no way to control the quality and ensure that the animals are treated properly. While not everyone may agree that giving up meat completely is a good idea, this is a lesson on why you should visit your local, small butcher instead if you want a healthy, ethical way to eat meat.
October 7th, 2007 at 12:39 am
[...] So I have no worries, unlike the Topps employees. Former employees, I should say. Even gung-ho vegetarians (not part-time participants like myself) recognize that this is not a good thing, from an employee’s perspective. [...]
February 18th, 2008 at 10:07 am
[...] Society Video Results in Massive Recall by Sally Andersen In October, consumers were shocked by the 21.7 million-pound meat recall that forced one hamburger company to close their doors [...]