I'm a big proponent in truth and origins in product labeling, so when I heard that finally the House Agriculture Committee had voted last Thursday night to require country of origin labels on meats beginning next year I was pretty pleased. This law has been on the table for many years, most recently back in 2002 the law came close but didn't make it because of political delays. Now it becomes law in 2008, partly because of all the food scares and problems with China. Because the law also pertains to seafood, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, it became law much easier than the meat labeling section. Several states have already required labeling laws, but now it will be much more widespread.
I like to buy local and regional whenever possible, but at least like to know where my food is coming from. Some meat products I'll buy from other areas such as New Zealand or Australian lamb because the rib chops on the rack are smaller and more full flavored than the much larger US lamb. So they are better for lamb chop 'lollipops' for hors d'ourves, while for a lamb roast I prefer the milder and larger US lamb.
I'm also glad that fruit, vegetables, and seafood will now require the origin label. Some countries fish or farm safely, and with sustainable agriculture and fishing methods; while others are known for less safe and more damaging methods. Now we will have the ability to make the choice on where we want our food dollars to go, whether for political or economical reasons, or just plain 'ole taste.
I like to buy local and regional whenever possible, but at least like to know where my food is coming from. Some meat products I'll buy from other areas such as New Zealand or Australian lamb because the rib chops on the rack are smaller and more full flavored than the much larger US lamb. So they are better for lamb chop 'lollipops' for hors d'ourves, while for a lamb roast I prefer the milder and larger US lamb.
I'm also glad that fruit, vegetables, and seafood will now require the origin label. Some countries fish or farm safely, and with sustainable agriculture and fishing methods; while others are known for less safe and more damaging methods. Now we will have the ability to make the choice on where we want our food dollars to go, whether for political or economical reasons, or just plain 'ole taste.
Second Helping of Slashfood - June 19
Competitive-Eating Contest to Pit Humans Against Elephants
The Backyard Boom - The Hungry Bride
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-06-2007 @ 4:24PM
happypineapple said...
Good mention! The food safety problem is not solely contained within China. The overarching problem is within the rules of trade. In their present state, NAFTA and other expansions of this said "free trade" agreement, are disasters. Currently over 80% of U.S. seafood is imported. Peru is a major shrimp exporter to the U.S. and yet the number ONE reason in Peru for FDA rejection is filth. That’s just scary. If you want to learn more, you should read the Public Citizen report at http://www.citizen.org/documents/FoodSafetyReportFINAL.pdf and sign their petition http://action.citizen.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=12231 . Also, this link provides good tips on how to protect yourself from unsafe food imports: http://www.citizen.org/trade/afta/articles.cfm?ID=16946 .
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