Topps Meat Company

Topps Meat Company

Topps Meat Company was a leading American meat processing company that was established in 1940. The company was based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was known for its production of frozen hamburger patties.

History

Topps Meat Company was founded by Max Stern. The company started as a small butcher shop in Manhattan, New York, and grew to become one of the largest manufacturers of frozen hamburgers in the United States.

In the 1980s, Topps expanded its operations and began exporting its products to various countries around the world. The company's success was largely attributed to its commitment to quality and its innovative approach to meat processing.

Products

Topps Meat Company was best known for its frozen hamburger patties. The company also produced a variety of other meat products, including steaks, roasts, and ground beef. All of Topps' products were made from 100% beef and were flash-frozen to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Recall and Closure

In 2007, Topps Meat Company was involved in one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history. The company voluntarily recalled 21.7 million pounds of ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli. The recall severely impacted the company's reputation and financial stability.

Following the recall, Topps Meat Company announced its closure in October 2007. The company cited the financial burden of the recall as the primary reason for its closure.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Topps Meat Company left a significant impact on the meat processing industry. The company's commitment to quality and innovation set a standard for other companies in the industry. The Topps recall also led to increased scrutiny and regulation of the meat processing industry, ultimately leading to improved food safety standards.

See Also

• List of foodborne illness outbreaks
• Food safety
• Meat processing

External Links

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
• CDC E. coli Information