Historical archive · News21 reporting from 2011. Figures, laws, contacts and food safety guidance reflect the original publication, not current advice. Search this archive
A NEWS 21 NATIONAL INVESTIGATION

THE DANGERS OF BUYING LOCAL

Small produce farms are exempt from a new national food safety law, despite a lack of evidence that their food is safer to eat. Although farmers markets selling local food are growing in popularity, they tend to get less oversight.

Small Farms
Locavores
Farmers Markets

Small Farms

Small Farms

Tens of thousands of small farms throughout the country are exempt from a new national food safety law, thanks to a powerful coalition of small farmers, locally grown food enthusiasts and tea party small government advocates.

Locavores

Locavores

The popularity of food from mostly unregulated small farms and farmers markets is growing, although there is no evidence that the food is any safer to eat.

Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets

Contaminated chicken, unsafe conditions and unlawful sales are found at farmers markets in Washington, D. C., including at the Agriculture Department.