As a person who does not eat eggs except in baked goods (I will not eat them on a plane, not in the rain or while in Spain…), I was not really affected by the latest egg recall. However, I was still disturbed at the apparent lack of FDA oversight and the sickening images at the Iowa egg farms.
Just in case you may have been under a rock or hiking the Appalachian Trail for the last month, this news report provides a good summary of the egg recall: ABC News Egg Recall. The news clips of dead chickens, maggots and rodents at the Iowa egg farm responsible for one of the largest salmonella outbreaks was enough to make any one question, “Just who is inspecting these farms?” Certainly the FDA has been negligent in enforcing regulation. Jack DeCoster, the man who owned the Iowa farm, had been responsible for a salmonella outbreak in Maine resulting in a ban of his farm’s eggs in that state. Why was he allowed to move to another state where he was given the opportunity to create yet another salmonella outbreak?
Take a look at this article for the lame answers and excuses DeCoster provided during the congressional hearing.
In February 2008, the United Egg Producers sent a letter to the FDA practically begging them to cut egg farm inspections because they believed the relatively low threat of salmonella was not worth spending the FDA’s limited resources. Take a look at the United Egg Producers letter, and you may also conclude this is a case of the proverbial fox asking to watch the hen house.
When anyone is asked the question, “How do you want your eggs?” no matter the preferred method of cooking (sunny-side up, hard-boiled, scrambled or poached), everyone would have the same answer: “Salmonella-free, please.”
Next week, I’ll address the issue of battery cages used in factory farms.
This blog is prepared by a paralegal student as a class project, without compensation. The content of this blog contains my opinion, and is offered for personal interest without warranty of any kind. Comments posted by others on this blog are the responsibility of the posters of those messages. The reader is solely responsible for verifying the content of this blog and any linked information. Content, sources, information, and links will most likely change over time. The content of this blog may not be construed as legal, medical, business, or personal advice.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Introduction to How AgriBusiness is Affecting EVERYONE
Hello!
I am just an ordinary citizen who has an extraordinary concern about how Factory Farms (or as some call it--Agribusiness) are affecting not only the safety of our food supply, but also our environment. Not only am I concerned about keeping salmonella at bay, but I am also disgusted by the treatment of farm animals in large factory farms. The purpose of my blog is to provide balanced and fair reporting of the business of factory farming so you, the consumer, can decide just how you want your eggs.
As a child growing up in the late sixties, our eggs were delivered by a local farmer who we referred to as "The Egg Man." Every Friday he would drive to our suburb in his trusty old station wagon, ask for the used paper cartons, and then refill them with his fresh eggs. We never had to worry about the safety of those eggs, and we never wondered if he mistreated his animals. We had every reason to believe our eggs were from a safe and sanitary farm that did not pollute our rivers or streams.
I don't remember when the "Egg Man" stopped delivering eggs, but it was probably about the same time home milk delivery stopped. I know that we can't return to those days, but I think we need to know more about the farms our eggs, meat and dairy products come from. I wonder about the FDA, and I question whether it could have done more to ensure our eggs were salmonella-free?
Here is a Chicago Tribune Article on the egg recall. I am sure that this letter will be thought-provoking!
I plan to explore a new Agribusiness topic each week, and I encourage everyone to post comments to let me know if I my blog is fair and accurate.
I am just an ordinary citizen who has an extraordinary concern about how Factory Farms (or as some call it--Agribusiness) are affecting not only the safety of our food supply, but also our environment. Not only am I concerned about keeping salmonella at bay, but I am also disgusted by the treatment of farm animals in large factory farms. The purpose of my blog is to provide balanced and fair reporting of the business of factory farming so you, the consumer, can decide just how you want your eggs.
As a child growing up in the late sixties, our eggs were delivered by a local farmer who we referred to as "The Egg Man." Every Friday he would drive to our suburb in his trusty old station wagon, ask for the used paper cartons, and then refill them with his fresh eggs. We never had to worry about the safety of those eggs, and we never wondered if he mistreated his animals. We had every reason to believe our eggs were from a safe and sanitary farm that did not pollute our rivers or streams.
I don't remember when the "Egg Man" stopped delivering eggs, but it was probably about the same time home milk delivery stopped. I know that we can't return to those days, but I think we need to know more about the farms our eggs, meat and dairy products come from. I wonder about the FDA, and I question whether it could have done more to ensure our eggs were salmonella-free?
Here is a Chicago Tribune Article on the egg recall. I am sure that this letter will be thought-provoking!
I plan to explore a new Agribusiness topic each week, and I encourage everyone to post comments to let me know if I my blog is fair and accurate.
This blog is prepared by a paralegal student as a class project, without compensation. The content of this blog contains my opinion, and is offered for personal interest without warranty of any kind. Comments posted by others on this blog are the responsibility of the posters of those messages. The reader is solely responsible for verifying the content of this blog and any linked information. Content, sources, information, and links will most likely change over time. The content of this blog may not be construed as legal, medical, business, or personal advice.
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