Food safety is a topic that has been at the forefront of public discourse recently. With numerous recalls and outbreaks of potentially dangerous food-borne illnesses, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of our food safety system. In this article, we will explore the different perspectives on food safety and examine the factors that contribute to these issues.

Unraveling the Truth About Food Safety

Overview: A Battle of Perspectives

Some experts firmly believe that the food safety system is functioning as intended, successfully identifying and containing outbreaks of dangerous food-borne illnesses. They highlight the efforts of federal inspectors in catching contaminated food and organizing recalls. However, others view the occurrence of these outbreaks as a cause for serious concern. The list of processed and packaged foods that have been recalled due to bacterial contaminations is extensive and alarming.Since July, a tragic number of people have lost their lives and many more have been hospitalized after consuming food tainted with E. coli and listeria. These deadly bacteria have been found not only in meats and chicken but also in produce and various food products.

Deli Cold Cuts and More: The Recalled Items

Deli cold cuts, ready-to-eat meat, precooked chicken, and prepared meals are just some of the items that have made their way onto the recall list. Organic carrots with slivered onions on fast-food hamburgers have also been affected. The sheer volume of recalled products is staggering and raises questions about the safety of our food supply.Just last week, the FDA announced a recall of cucumbers tainted with salmonella, adding to the growing list of concerns. These recalls have affected well-known brands and popular products, making it clear that no one is immune from the risks of food contamination.

Food Recalls on the Rise: The Numbers Tell a Story

Some experts argue that the nation's food production industry, which generates billions in revenue each year, is operating as designed. Federal inspectors are doing their job by catching contaminated food and working with manufacturers to recall it. However, others point to the significant increase in the number of recalls this year, which is 25% higher than last year.Recalled items have included a wide range of products, from meats to vegetables and even frozen waffles. This trend raises doubts about the safety of our food and prompts us to question whether our food supply is getting less safe over time.Donald Schaffner, a Rutgers University professor and food safety expert, is not one of those who believe we have the safest food supply in the world. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in the food safety system.

The Impact of Tainted Food: From Illness to Death

The impact of tainted food can be severe, ranging from illness and hospitalization to death. Several recalls have been carried out with no reported illnesses, but when consumers have to constantly worry about the safety of their food, it takes a toll.When popular brands and store chains are affected, the frequency of outbreaks becomes more noticeable. The number of recalls, illness outbreaks, and deaths leads us to question the overall safety of our food supply.While some may argue that the announcement of recalls means the system is working, other experts disagree. Rutgers food safety expert Schaffner believes that outbreaks are random events and that there is room for improvement in the system.

Former FDA Deputy Commissioner's Perspective

Frank Yiannas, a former FDA deputy commissioner, agrees that detecting outbreaks and illnesses is not a sign that the food safety system is working. He is grateful for the improvement in the public health surveillance system but is concerned about the continued occurrence of outbreaks.According to FDA data, the number of recalls has been steadily increasing in the last few years, reaching the highest level since the pandemic. This trend is concerning and raises questions about the effectiveness of the current food safety measures.Last year, there were several deaths associated with foodborne illnesses, including those linked to cantaloupes, diced onions, and peaches. In late July this year, a fatal listeria outbreak caused by Boar's Head deli meats led to numerous deaths and hospitalizations.Adding to the list of tragedies, two deaths have been attributed to Diamond Shruumz contamination and recent E. coli contamination. 2024 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for the worst kind of food safety incidents.

Supporting Black News Publishers: A Call to Action

In addition to the food safety issues, it is important to support the nation's leading Black news publishers. Word In Black is dedicated to confronting inequities, elevating solutions, and amplifying the Black experience. A monthly donation of $25 can make a significant impact by funding on-the-ground reports, Freedom of Information Act requests, and vital safety equipment for reporters covering protests.By supporting these publishers, we can ensure that the voices and stories of the Black community are heard and that solutions to the greatest problems facing American society are brought to light.