21.7 million pounds of beef recalled

21.7 million pounds of beef recalled
Published: 9/29/07, 7:00 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN) - Topps Meat Co. on Saturday expanded a recall of ground beef from about 300,000 pounds to 21.7 million pounds, one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history. In a statement, the Elizabeth, New Jersey, company said the hamburger patties may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and cramps, as well as other complications.

A statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture said 25 illnesses are under investigation in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The ground beef products being recalled have a "sell by date" or a "best if used by date" between September 25, 2007, and September 25, 2008, Topps' statement said. Watch the latest on the beef recall

The packages also have the marking "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Tuesday, the company announced a recall of about 331,000 pounds of hamburger meat, according to the USDA.

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...The ground beef products being recalled have a "sell by date" or a "best if used by date" between September 25, 2007, and September 25, 2008, Topps' statement said...

All I can do is :shrug: for now

After a few weeks without meat, you don't miss it at all.

I missed it all the time when I went veggie

From an economic perspective, it's important to support your local farmer.

Less problems with quality control, better tasting, organic, and actually cheaper. I buy my beef a quarter at a time, get the cuts I want, freeze it all for $1.80/pound. Organic and local, and I don't have to worry about the quality.