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

SYSTEM FAILS
TO CATCH
PROBLEMS

Every year, nearly three million Americans are sickened by harmful bacteria in meat and poultry. A regulatory system that relies largely on self-regulation is being extended to produce, even though the FDA may not be ready to enforce it.

Inspection Gaps
Feces
Enforcement
Traceability
Organics
Kosher

Inspection Gaps

Inspection Gaps

Carcass-by-carcass slaughterhouse inspections and company self-regulation plans fail to prevent recalls of millions of pounds of contaminated meat and poultry approved for sale and consumption by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Related Story: Inspectors Have Seconds to Spot Disease

Related Story: Food Safety Laws Have Origin in Space

Feces

Contaminants

See how animal feces can contaminate foods ranging from meat to dairy products and fruits and vegetables — and what can be done about it.

Interactive: Trace Pathogens in Poultry

Safety Solutions: A Roundup of Tips and Resources

Enforcement

Enforcement

The Food and Drug Administration’s record in enforcing safety plans for seafood and juice processors raise questions about the agency’s ability to step up oversight of fruits and vegetables as newly mandated by Congress.

Related Story: New Food Safety Act Revises Standards

Related Story: Key Provisions of Food Safety Act

Traceability

Traceability

The produce industry is promising an electronic system to better track contaminated fruits and vegetables to farms and processing plants, while consumer advocates remain skeptical.

Organics

Organics

For all their health benefits and growing popularity, organically grown fruits and vegetables are just as vulnerable to contamination by dangerous pathogens as non-organic produce.

Kosher

Kosher

Preparation of kosher food, rather than the ritual slaughter of kosher meat and poultry, is key to whether it is safer to eat.