S. 510: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

[Duffster]

Listeria in cheese is a bad actor. Kills newborns if mother is infected. Also causes serious problems for immunocompromised individuals. Easily prevented with pasteurization so why not do that?

Why destroy the option to purchase raw milk if one so inclines?

 

[Duffster]

Anybody that thinks this bill is really about food safety needs to pull the wool down from over their eyes.

 

[IslandTractor]

Anybody that thinks this bill is really about food safety needs to pull the wool down from over their eyes.

What do you think it is about? Do you believe that big agrifood conglomerates are afraid of local organic farms?

 

[Duffster]

What do you think it is about? Do you believe that big agrifood conglomerates are afraid of local organic farms?

Afraid? Not really but when you can eliminate the little guys you can eliminate the little bit bigger guys next and so on.

 

[IslandTractor]

While I have no doubt that Agribusiness lobbying had significant impact on this bill I don't subscribe to theories that it was designed to force out the little guy. I believe the bill is a natural progression in tightening up food safety regulations (still far from the ideal of bullet proof but not excessively intrusive) and has it's origins more from within Dept of Ag, FDA, CDC and other agencies tasked with food safety regulation. I don't doubt that some big business interest concerns got more attention than those of the small farmer but that is how our lobbying system works. Those with the money have a right to more influence and that has now been cast in stone by the Supreme Court.

 

[Scooby074]

I don't know about the guy selling lobsters on the side of the road but I do know that I don't sell my #2 salmon, they go to crab bait and I wouldn't even give a dead crab to my exwife, much less sell it to someone. I like many small food producers take pride in my products and their quality.
We are seeing a real comeback in farmers markets and things being harvested and sold locally. The advantage for everyone is you get to know and develope a relationship with your customer/supplier. Big Ag sees this too and I feel they see it as a threat and are useing their lobbying power accordingly. Did you see the part in the bill making it illegal to save your own seeds??? Come on.....


I agree that we do need health standards but we need to have some common sense about them too, and have them for the good of the CONSUMER and not for the good of the producer who has the most to gain from them. :2cents:

Rick

Are you sure about the ex wife?

Seriously though.

While i dont doubt you'd do the right thing and take care of your customers, without some rules, people who either didnt know or just didnt care would not necessarily share the same view.

Ive worked on a dairy farm and Im a regular at farmers markets. And yes i do trust them. And i trust that they are meeting proper food safety standards, but its nice to know there is some enforcement out there to ensure it and to set those standards. Even at the dairy, the farmer treated his cows well and the heard was very healthy... but even he and his family would drink pasteurized milk. The only one that would drink raw was his father. He did however split wood into his 80's and i think he was over 90 when he died so maybe he was on to something?

Here in canada, we had some major Listeria outbreaks. Maple Leaf had one that killed 23 and left many more sick. There is currently a Listeria outbreak at Saputo foods, a major cheese producer. No deaths there, but its a big recall.

So Im all in favour of much tougher inspection and rules. And we need clearer labeling along with country of origin for each of the components of processed food.

I will agree that theres no doubt big ag had a hand in it. Especially if the seeds thing is true *cough*Monsanto*Cough*. But i havent been able to find any reference to controlling of seeds by monsanto (or others) on anything but fringe websites.

But this bill really wont affect the small food producers anyways...assuming they are under $500,000 in sales,

 

[YanmarFever]

My understanding is that this bill gives the United Nations control of how our food is produced in the end. That's scary!!!

Welcome to the "New World Order"! ~~ grnspot110

I call it the NEW WORLD ODOR !!

 

[Loren49]

Record of recent senate vote on the bill - Aye 73, Nay 25, 2 no vote.

GovTrack: Senate Vote On Passage: S. 510: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

There may be a few things on line that are made up and fuel the conspiracy theories and the fear mongers. Can't believe that many Senators hate the US and our Constitution.

A couple points- its not law yet so we won't really know the details until it is.
-It would be interesting if those who claim gloom and doom would site the text of the proposed law that will result in their claims.
-When people die or are ill from contaminated food the first blame seems to go to the government.
-I'm not a fan of Monsanto and what they are doing with seed "monopoly". IMHO
-I value the right to grow any of my own food and to sell to those who come to my place buy. (already restricted and would not like more restriction)

Loren

 

[Loren49]

A few facts on farmers markets, and small farms from this site:
http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/S-510-Farm-One-Pager.pdf

Protections for Farmers Markets, Cottage Industries and Direct Farm-to-Market Sales-Small entities that produce food for their own consumption or market the majority of their food directly to consumers are not subject to registration or new recordkeeping requirements under S. 510. This includes food sold through farmers markets, bake sales, public events and organizational fundraisers.
Farm and Facility Size Exemption-Small food processors that make most of their sales directly to consumers and have less than $500,000 in annual sales are exempt from preventive controls/HACCP provisions in Section 103 of the bill. Small farms that market most of their sales directly to consumers and have less than $500,000 in annual sales are exempt from produce safety standards under Section 105 of the bill. Such food must be sold within the same state or within 275 miles from where it was processed or harvested and disclose to consumers the location from which the food originated.

Loren

 

[NorTracNY]

Yes, just remember right now this is not law. The exemption Loren has listed is just an amendment that was passed in the Senate's version of the bill. Big Ag doesn't want this amendment and are now fighting to kill it. That is why the constitutionality of the Senate version was brought up. I doubt that this will be passes this year now. But if you are concerned about the issues discussed, realize the bill will come back some day.