According to the Boston Globe, 5,000 Americans die of food poisoning each year and 325,000 require hospitalization. Over the past five years Americans have seen major outbreaks of salmonella in peanuts, pistachios, tomatoes, peppers, pet food, and peanut butter along with outbreaks of e-coli in bagged spinach. Is the Food and Drug Administration keeping the food supply safe? What role does the Center for Disease Control play in regards to these outbreaks?
With Globalization in full swing, it is no secret that the United States imports more than it exports. Food is no exception. According to the Boston Globe, “the United States receives 15 percent of its food from foreign countries including 60 percent of its fresh fruits and vegetables and 75 percent of its seafood.” Who is responsible for inspecting these imports before they make it supermarkets and into the homes of consumers?
These are some of the issues and questions I hope to answer in my first few stories on food safety, government bodies (FDA, USDA, CDC) and the risk for consumers.
With Globalization in full swing, it is no secret that the United States imports more than it exports. Food is no exception. According to the Boston Globe, “the United States receives 15 percent of its food from foreign countries including 60 percent of its fresh fruits and vegetables and 75 percent of its seafood.” Who is responsible for inspecting these imports before they make it supermarkets and into the homes of consumers?
These are some of the issues and questions I hope to answer in my first few stories on food safety, government bodies (FDA, USDA, CDC) and the risk for consumers.
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