There is no way anyone can know the source of the ingredients of the foods they eat. We must rely on the FDA to ensure safety. Simply put that agency has failed. There have been numerous food scares during the past few years. Mad Cow Disease was followed by salmonella in spinach, peppers and tomatoes. The issue of salmonella tainted peanuts is not new. A few years ago the contamination was in Peter Pan Peanut Butter.
Now the contamination is in dry-roasted and oil-roasted peanuts, granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste. This situation has evolved into a criminal investigation by the FDA and the Justice Department at the Peanut Corp. of America facility in Blakely, Georgia. The problem is the cavalier attitude of the people involved. The peanut company and even the town mayor have the attitude that they can get away with their behavior.
Blakely Mayor Ric Hall said, “We’re in hot water. When they found salmonella in spinach, peppers and tomatoes, people said they would never eat them again, and guess what? We’re right back in there eating salads. I think the same thing will happen with peanuts.”
Is the relaxing of FDA inspection part of Bush administration laisseze faire policies? There is nothing on the internet to support that idea. Still the number of incidence during the past eight years does make me suspicious. Ot would take a thorough investigation by a news investigating organization. 60 Minutes, the Tribune Company, or the Washington Post should research inspection records.
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