Food Safety and Big Government
A long time ago I learned that what you hear coming from politicians and lawmakers many times is not what you get. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back one minute with an example. Some politicians who try to become lawmakers have a real crafty way to make you think legislation is engineered with only your welfare in mind. A new bill will have a title that just makes you feel good all over, but will have a totally different purpose. I think this basically sums up the reason for HR 2749 introduced by Representative John Dingell known as the Food Safety Enhancement Act. Now, doesn't that sound like something we all would be in favor of and be glad our elected officials had the foresight to draft such a bill. The trouble I see with this measure is that it is actually aimed at controlling independent, small-scale food processors. It doesn't strengthen food import standards or address safety concerns with larger processors. There are probably enough regulations on commercial food manufactures anyway. The funny side of regulations on small processeors of food or farmers selling direct to consumers is that these people eat the same food they sell. Seems to me that's of pretty good indicator the food is considered safe if cooked and served correctly. The bill has some language in it that tends to make a person think food safety is not the only reason the authors introduced this measure. Our well being just has to be the basis for the legislation - doesn't it? Well, I'll tell you a little more tomorrow. I'm Jeff Keane.
