I don't think it is reasonable for the FDA to police ALL of the sources of food production and foodborne illnesses created therein. It would almost be impossible. One would have to believe that vegetables, grain, meat, and fruits...especially coming from Country's where there is little if any oversight from health authorities would call for producers in the U.S.
to monitor their production on a constant basis...including such things as overhead spray
on conveyor belts. These 'wholesale grocers' have associations and I would expect they have
people on staff to oversee the inport and production...just as they have the ability to record
on packaging the dates of useful shelf life.
Stand quietly inside a large supermarket...look at the aisles and aisles of food products, including ethnic foods many imported. I see the FDA as a rule-maker, guidance giver, and
supporter of safety and health of our food supply. And, in essence, if word is given to them
about a product which they have not found themselves, the ability to track that to hospitals and infection control personnel...and ultimately to have the power to withdraw the product.
In this day and age when terrorism is a very real issue, illnes through food borne products is
an easy target; salt, pepper, sugar just to name three. The FDA, with the producers and
those who purchase must work together with the scientific community to protect our food
supply. And blogs such as this one must continue to work to help us be aware of issues
facing the consumer. We will always need to recognize the difference between packagers and producers understanding the difference between a "guideline" and a "regulation".
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I don't think it is reasonable for the FDA to police ALL of the sources of food production and foodborne illnesses created therein. It would almost be impossible. One would have to believe that vegetables, grain, meat, and fruits...especially coming from Country's where there is little if any oversight from health authorities would call for producers in the U.S.
to monitor their production on a constant basis...including such things as overhead spray
on conveyor belts. These 'wholesale grocers' have associations and I would expect they have
people on staff to oversee the inport and production...just as they have the ability to record
on packaging the dates of useful shelf life.
Stand quietly inside a large supermarket...look at the aisles and aisles of food products, including ethnic foods many imported. I see the FDA as a rule-maker, guidance giver, and
supporter of safety and health of our food supply. And, in essence, if word is given to them
about a product which they have not found themselves, the ability to track that to hospitals and infection control personnel...and ultimately to have the power to withdraw the product.
In this day and age when terrorism is a very real issue, illnes through food borne products is
an easy target; salt, pepper, sugar just to name three. The FDA, with the producers and
those who purchase must work together with the scientific community to protect our food
supply. And blogs such as this one must continue to work to help us be aware of issues
facing the consumer. We will always need to recognize the difference between packagers and producers understanding the difference between a "guideline" and a "regulation".