By George Anderson
The Bush administration has made its opposition known on a bill that would require manufacturers/processors to identify stores that had received recalled meat.
Elsa Murano, undersecretary for food safety, USDA said, if passed, the bill would make it harder for the department to track retailers and wholesalers because the meat companies would be hesitant to share proprietary information.
Proponents of the legislation argue that it would improve consumer safety.
Moderator's Comment: Do you agree or disagree with the proposed meat recall list legislation?
Consumers at risk should be everyone's first concern. This legislation, however, will not make consumers any safer.
When there is any incidence of multiple food borne illnesses diagnosed in any area, it is big news locally and, often times, nationally. In some cases, media coverage and the local community grapevine will result in consumers not using a product before a recall is ever announced.
Issued recalls cover geographic regions. Singling out stores, that may or may not have sold tainted meat, is a) not necessary b) potentially harmful to the retailer's business well beyond the specific product being recalled.
This bill won't make consumers any safer, but it may hurt retailers. The manufacturer's business will suffer regardless. [George Anderson - Moderator]