Tops Markets to Test Butcherless Meat-Supply Program

Tops Markets Inc. (Williamsville, NY) is testing a new meat-supply program to bring "case-ready" ground meats and pork cuts from Canada to 10 of its Buffalo-area supermarkets. The meats are cut or ground and packaged at the Maple Leaf Foods plant in Mississauga, Ontario, and arrive at Tops supermarkets ready to be placed in meat cases. The meats are packaged using what is known as a "modified atmosphere packaging," a technique that brings together leak-proof, tamper-proof packaging materials and spoil-retarding methods.

Tops spokeswoman Stephanie Zakowicz said the experiment is bringing local consumers enhanced meat safety and prolonged shelf like. "One of the biggest advantages is that there is less handling of the meat, less opportunity for contamination, because the meat is processed and packaged in the same location," said Zakowicz.

The Canadian beef and pork products are reaching store cases within 36 hours of packing, according to Zakowicz. She also noted that Canadian meat safety standards are identical to those employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for meat originating in the U.S.

Tops stores participating in the trial run include locations in Buffalo, Amherst, Lockport, Hamburg and West Seneca. Shoppers at each of the 10 test supermarkets will find signs in the meat departments explaining the packaging and supply methods.

For more information contact Tops Markets Inc., 6363 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221. Tel: 716-635-5000.