05/17/07 Tsunami of Imported foods

Americas' appetite for imported foods has grown right along with her waste line. From 2003 until 06 the amount of FDA regulated imported foods doubled and is expected to break the 9 million mark in food import product lines falling under FDA jurisdiction this year. The fact that that less than one percent of all imports ever gets inspected should have us all painstaking picking through those tiny country of origin labels in the produce section, yet the majority of us remain unconcerned about what country grew the tomato's as long as we can buy them year round for a reasonable price. Chinas' "inability of accountability" brought to light the perils of policing this new global food economy. Some factions of government are demanding more inspectors while others believe funds should be earmarked for high risk sector of the food supply venerable to terrorists. The fact we have two government entities, the FDA watchdog of 80 percent of our food supply including fresh produce and seafood and the Department of AG guarding the additional 20; meat, poultry and eggs practically ensures that the Tsunami of imported foods won't subside anytime soon.