Don’t hold back info on recalls
POSTED: March 28, 2008
Not telling the public what stores sold some recalled meat only undermines consumer confidence in the food supply and in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ability to protect the public.
The Associated Press reports USDA officials are considering a proposal pushed by the food industry to identify retailers that sold recalled meat only when there is a serious health risk. Retailers would not be identified in cases in which officials believe there is minimal risk to human health.
Consumers deserve to have accurate and complete information on all recalls. They shouldn’t be left wondering whether the food they have purchased has been recalled, even if officials deem the health risks minimal.
In February, 143 million pounds of beef produced by the Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. during a two-year period were recalled after secret video showed cows unable to stand at the Southern California slaughterhouse.
In light of video evidence, the company president admitted that meat from so-called downer cows probably entered the food supply. It has been illegal since 2004 for downer cows to be slaughtered for food.
Officials believe the risk to humans was minimal and are unaware of any problems caused from the beef that had been consumed.
That’s a relief, but it’s disconcerting to know that it’s not clear where all of that beef ended up. We know part of it was shipped to schools, including a number in our area. Schools were given lot numbers to identify what meat was being recalled so that it could be destroyed.
Where the remainder of the meat wound up isn’t as clear.
Some retailers repackage meat from slaughterhouses to sell it under their brand names.
By law, retailers must remove recalled products from their shelves but are not required to notify consumers, The Associated Press reports.
We commend the companies that volunteer the information. But notification really shouldn’t be optional.
That’s unfair to the buyers, and this system also can taint the image of all similar products in cases where the recalled items cannot be easily identified by brand and lot number.
Recalls have become fairly routine. Often they are done in cases in which there is the chance the item has come in contact with common food allergens, such as milk and nuts, not listed on the label.
The public has shown it can react responsibly when given details about recalls. The scary part is when you don’t have complete information.
If USDA wants the trust of the public, it needs to earn it by being open and honest with Americans when it comes to recalls.
