USDA-FSIS has reported that the source of the Topps hamburger E. coli outbreak (at least 40 people sickened) is Ranchers Beef, Ltd., a Canadian company. According to a USDA-FSIS press release:
On October 25, the CFIA provided FSIS with PFGE patterns, or DNA fingerprints, from tests of beef trim from a Canadian firm, Ranchers Beef, Ltd., Canadian establishment number 630. This firm provided trim to the Topps Meat Company. While the firm, which had been located in Balzac, Alberta, ceased operations on August 15, 2007, 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 CFIA's own investigation into 45 illnesses in Canada from E. coli O157:H7.. . . PulseNet provided verification to FSIS that this PFGE pattern matched those from patients who were ill and from positive tests conducted by the New York Department of Health on product (both intact packages and open packages from patients' homes) that was later recalled by the Topps Meat Company on September 29. PulseNet is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) searchable database of all PFGE patterns from patients and food products in the United States.
[E. coli lawyer: Please note that the positive tests on the products (Topps hamburgers) were found in patients' homes. Potentially-contaminated food products should not be thrown out or returned until it is clear that no one has been sickened by the product. In the case of a food product that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the food would have to be retained for at least 10 days after last consumed. For safety reasons, it is critical that any potentially-contaminated food product be labeled "DO NOT EAT" and be stored in a safe location.]
As of October 26, CDC reported 40 illnesses under investigation in 8 states, with 21 known hospitalizations. The latest onset of illness is September 24, 2007. This summer was the first time this rare PFGE pattern had been seen in North America.
[E. coli lawyer: If you have been diagnosed with E. coli, an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker | Ruononen can be reached toll-free at 1-888-377-8900. Alternatively, please submit the firm's online consultation form for review by an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen.]
As the result of the Topps Meat Company recall investigation, FSIS had delisted Ranchers Beef, Ltd., Canadian establishment number 630, on October 20, 2007. No product from that firm has been eligible to come into the U.S. since that date.
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