Beef recalled due to E. Coli, again?

Sound familiar? It is happening way to often despite USDA reports that the number of cases are down. How can the USDA support their findings in light of these following instances?

June 9, 2007 – 5.7 millions pounds of beef recalled in 11 states.
United Food Group LLC of Los Angeles, 14 people in six western states fallen ill.
Source of contamination none given.

June 8, 2007 – 40,000 pounds of beef recalled in 12 states.
Tyson Fresh Meats Inc of Springdale, no illnesses reported.
Source of contamination none given.

Jan 13, 2008 – 188,000 pounds of beef recalled nationwide.
Rochester Meat Co. of Rochester Minnesota, no data given on illnesses.
Source of contamination none given.

Jan 5, 2008 – 13,150 pounds of beef recalled in Detroit Michigan.
Mark’s Quality Meats, Inc of Detroit, no data given on illnesses.
Source of contamination none given.

Feb 14, 2007 – peanut butter recalled nationwide.
ConAgra Foods of Sylvester, Georgia, 300 illnesses reported.
Source of contamination none given.

Sept 29, 2007 – 21.7 million pounds of beef recalled in 8 states.
Topps Meat Company LLC of Elizabeth New Jersey, 25 illnesses under investigation.
Source of contamination: possibly Rancher’s Beef Ltd of Balzac, Alberta, Canada.

2002 – 27.4 million pounds of cooked sandwich meat recalled nationwide.
Pilgrim’s Pride of Philadelphia, PA, unknown number of illnesses.
Source of contamination none given.

1997 – 25 million pounds of beef recalled nationwide.
Hudson Foods of Columbus, Nebraska, 15 illnesses reported.
Source of contamination none given.

The reporting level on these cases was high, when they first appeared. But sources and causes of the contamination have not been identified. Why are we not told where the contamination is coming from and what is being done to protect us? We need follow-up questions to be asked, but I suppose that isn’t as ‘glamorous’ or as news worthy as a celebrity drunk driving ‘misadventure’.

Does the contamination start with the food crop itself? Is it due to improper handling of the food crop before the processor gets it or after? Is it the processing practice of the food? Are employees the source of the contamination (do you know how many people do not wash their hands after using the toilet? It is literally sickening.)

Is equipment not being cleaned properly? Are inspectors slacking in their duties that allows this contaminated food to get out the manufacturers control before the contamination is discovered?

These are serious questions that affect the safety of our food supply and we, the public, are not privy to any of this information, even when we dig for it ourselves.

Who takes the time to ask these questions? Main stream media sure doesn’t. When I called some of these companies for answers I was told, in every case, to talk to their public relations person and we all know what we get from these mouthpieces. Nothing but whitewash. Still we are left with the burning question, is the food I am about to consume going to make me sick?

These food recalls have affected product sold in grocery stores, delis and restaurants. No place can be considered safe.

The USDA is obviously overwhelmed in their duty to protect the general public. The responsibility falls to every single person who has anything to do with growing, handling, and processing our food. And somewhere along the line someone is letting us all down.

I have harped on this subject of personal responsibility to one’s job before. If anyone slacks off and underperforms in their assigned duty someone else invariably has to pay for it.

The guilty party needs to excuse themselves from their position and put someone in their place who will actually take some pride in what they do.

Sure, E. coli is naturally occurring, but, dammit, there are procedures in place to minimize its effects and someone is not doing their job. Period.

What's your opinion?