The New York Times article on Topps meat makes me want to shout, “Who is in charge and who really cares about what the public eats?” While the Agriculture Department is supposed to oversee and set guidelines for the meat industry and do safety checks on packing plants it becomes apparent that the inspection process at Topps was shoddy at best.
It isn’t much better around the country. According to this article meat packers buy their meat locally and overseas. Meat bought overseas doesn’t have to be tested for E.coli because the bactirium isn’t as prevelant. However, American meat must be tested. But, when a company fails to adequately test its product and when they mix the two products together then disaster is waiting to happen and it has.
Topps has gone out of business. A few years back Topps was bought by Strategic Investments & Holdings, a diversified private equity firm. After being bought out, employees complained of mounting stress to produce more and more. Private equity firms want to make money. Topps became well worn, well used, but not much cared for in the way of cleanliness and safety. One more reason to find out where your food is produced. If possible don’t go for the mass produced stuff. It just isn’t good for you.
Read the article Red Flags
