More fun? with food.
Peanuts
Since February 18th the USFDA has initiated an estimated additional 118 food recalls. Of these, 109 were peanut/salmonella related reports of possible contamination in bars cheesecakes, snack, pet snacks and nuts. This would appear to bring the total peanut recalls to approximately 423. Go HERE to see the latest.
The FDA list is now so long that it is difficult to visually search. However, by doing a keyword search on the page I was able to find several items. For example, in doing a word search for “dog” I found 7 listings of pet snacks. “Just Desserts” was listed once.
Sprouts
The FDA announced that SunSprout Enterprises, Inc. recalled “Alfalfa Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Gourmet Sprouts” because of Salmonella in products distributed in Nebraska and Iowa.
Cheese
In related news, the US FDA has commenced a recall on Peregrina Cheese Corp for it’s Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese.
Tortillas, etc.
In addition, the US FDA has CLOSED Del Rey Tortilleria Inc. of Chicago, Il, for repeated violations and failure to correct their actions. There are however, no associated recalls.
While some continue to marvel over the odd idea that salmonella could survive in a peanutty environment, it’s clear that being hired to do “a” job is not the same as being hired to do “the” job.
The reality is that the people producing the products hire the private inspectors. State inspectors inspect to state standards, which vary depending on the finances of the state, and local antagonism to perceived bureaucracy. Only federal government can maintain uniform minimum standards. Of course, we have seen what “Starving the Beast” can do in the last 30 years. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. People, resources, and money must maintain and support those federal standards.
There is a reason that a federal inspection costs $8000, as reported, while the private inspector cost $1000. It’s not because wages are so much lower in Georgia.
Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009
In the mean time H. R. 875, entitled the “Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009” has been presented to the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and to the Committee on Agriculture.
If you want to read it, it can be found by going to the LOC Thomas website HERE
Enter the Phrase “H.R. 875: Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009” and it should pop up in the list for you. I’m still digesting it, especially in relation to small farmers, organic farmers, etc. However, my first inclination is that food should have a separate and distinct agency from that of medications and devices. This bill would accomplish that.
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Grab and Keel 