Table Talk: September 9

The endless recall

By Kim O'Donnel

September 3, 2010

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(Editor’s note: This chat is over, but the transcript is available to read here. And join Kim for another Table Talk chat, most Thursdays.)

The recent egg recall is only the latest food fiasco in the United States; every month something new — from spinach to beef patties to peanut butter to cookie dough — is pulled from store shelves for health and safety reasons.

This week on Table Talk, Kim welcomes Bill Marler, a litigator who specializes in food-safety issues and an outspoken proponent of tougher regulation in the area of food production.

They’ll be discussing food-safety legislation under congressional review and more, on Thursday, September 9, at 3 p.m. ET, noon PT. (Note: This is a new time for the chat.)

Bring your questions, suggestions, and observations. Sign up below to receive an email reminder.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her live chats — right here at Table Talk, most Thursdays.

Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel -Sept 9, 2010

(09/09/2010)

  

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11:25

Kim ODonnel:  Coming up at Noon PT/3ET: An hour devoted to the endless rash of food recalls and the latest on food safety legislation. Join me and my special guest food safety attorney Bill Marler, who will be live from Australia. Thursday September 9, 2010 11:25 Kim ODonnel

11:31

[Standby]  The host is placing this Live Event into Standby Mode.

11:37

Bill Marler:  Good day as they say here from Australia - it is 4:30 AM here in Friday. Thursday September 9, 2010 11:37 Bill Marler

11:56

Kim ODonnel:  Eggs. Ground beef. Peanut butter. Spinach. Cookie dough. This is just a sampler of the items that have been subject to food recalls in the past year-plus due to contamination of food-borne pathogens. Legislation for increased FDA oversight and regulatory power has passed in the House but languishes in the Senate. What's a consumer to do? Joining me today all the way from Australia (where it's o'dark thirty) is renowned food safety attorney Bill Marler, to fill you in on the latest in policy, politics and pathogens. Marler also publishes Food Safety News, a Web publication on news in the food safety and policy world.  Welcome, Bill.  And away we go... Thursday September 9, 2010 11:56 Kim ODonnel

11:59

Bill Marler:  Good morning Kim. Thanks for having me on. I am in Melbourne Australia today. Yesterday a was a speaker at their 3rd Food Safety Conference. I am off to NZ today to attend their conference and then to DC for the Egg hearings. Thursday September 9, 2010 11:59 Bill Marler

12:00

Kim ODonnel:  Bill, tell us what we can expect about the Egg hearings in DC.  Who's spearheading these efforts? Who's been called to testify? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:00 Kim ODonnel

12:02

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I'm very concerned about the FDA. Corporations seem to have it in their pockets. How has this been allowed to happen? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:02 Jeanne in Seattle

12:03

Bill Marler:  I expect the heads of Wright County Egg and Hillandale to be called as well as teh feed mill. Several of my clients will be testifying and Food Safety News offered scholarships for travel expenses for other sickened by the Salmonella outbreak. I would also expect to see testimony from FDA inspectors. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:03 Bill Marler

12:03

Kim ODonnel:  This is Tues Sept. 14, correct? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:03 Kim ODonnel

12:04

Bill Marler:  Jeanne - I have the same worry about many parts of the government frankly. However, I have met many of the line people at FDA and FSIS and they want to do the right think at protect the public. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:04 Bill Marler

12:05

[Comment From Terra Brockman Terra Brockman : ]  While no egg producer (or food producer for that matter) can be immune from a contamination problem, can you speak to the relative risks and benefits of eggs from smaller producers who market their products directly to consumers within a small area. It seems common sense that even if such a producer were to have a salmonella problem, we would be able to trace and contain it quickly, and would not suffer the serious harm from widespread food contamination we see from large-scale producers. ur food safety laws are written by and for large industry, and the consequence – intended or not – is that they squeeze out the smaller, safer producers. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:05 Terra Brockman

12:05

Bill Marler:  Hearing is the 14th - Energy and Commerce subcommittee. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:05 Bill Marler

12:07

Kim ODonnel:  Bill, I saw the report put out yesterday by  Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group (PennPIRG), the Consumer Federation of America and the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Report says that there have been 85 food safety recalls since July 2009.  That's about 1 per week. What can we as consumers do to protect ourselves when going to the store feels like the wild West? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:07 Kim ODonnel

12:07

Bill Marler:  As I am said many times, smaller, regional production is a safer bet because it is less likely to sicken hundreds. However, local does not necessarily mean safer. My six chickens in my backyard my contain salmonella too. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:07 Bill Marler

12:08

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I've been wondering about backyard chickens. There is a ban on raising them in my city which was recently reviewed. There were a lot of comments that the chickens would get sick and spread disease. Is this the case? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:08 Ruth

12:08

Kim ODonnel:  Ruth, where do you live? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:08 Kim ODonnel

12:08

Bill Marler:  Kim, good question - buy local and do not buy mass produced foods. Also, stay away from high risk foods - hamburger, sprouts, raw milk or juices. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:08 Bill Marler

12:09

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I have 5 chickens in my backyard. If we got sick from their eggs, we would know immediately. I think that's a benefit, although a rather strange one. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:09 Jeanne in Seattle

12:10

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I'm in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The city just decided not to change the ban but there was lots of talk in the papers and online. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:10 Ruth

12:11

Bill Marler:  I am not sure we can feed us all with backyard chickens and small gardens, but it is fun to do and keeps my 11 year old out of trouble. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:11 Bill Marler

12:11

Kim ODonnel:  Ever since the egg recall -- 550 million for those didn't know (and more than 1 for every person in this country to have a bad egg) -- I keep asking myself: Why aren't we more angry about this? Why are we not storming the streets about the nonstop breaches in food safety? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:11 Kim ODonnel

12:12

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: what is your opinion on people who are aware of the risks of high-problem foods, say, mass-produced hamburger, but insist on eating it and feeding it to their kids? I seriously don't get the psychology there. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:12 Jeanne in Seattle

12:13

Bill Marler:  My kids have never had a hamburger - local or massed produced. IMHO risk is too high. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:13 Bill Marler

12:14

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Kim: I agree! I don't get it. Where is the outrage? I'm reading Robyn O'Brien's book (as per your suggestion) and I am floored by the information that big companies such as Wal-Mart and Nestle make their food safer for overseas markets, but not for US market. So unbelievable. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:14 Jeanne in Seattle

12:14

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  What about grinding your own meat? I love hamburgers! Thursday September 9, 2010 12:14 Ruth

12:14

Kim ODonnel:  Bill, do you think the 9/14 Egg hearings will have an impact on moving  S.510  (FDA Food Safety Modernization Act) to the Senate floor for a vote? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:14 Kim ODonnel

12:15

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: my daughter has not had hamburger (or beef) either (she's 10). Very risky. My husband and I don't eat it either. We still don't know what causes BSE--scary. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:15 Jeanne in Seattle

12:15

Bill Marler:  Re grinding your own. Again, it is just a risk game. There is no guarantee that your local farmer has E. coli free cows or that your local butcher is more careful. But, at least it is not ground with dozens of other cows in 1,000 pound lots. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:15 Bill Marler

12:17

Kim ODonnel:  Bill, how many clients are you representing against Wright County Egg and Hillandale at this point?  Thursday September 9, 2010 12:17 Kim ODonnel

12:17

Bill Marler:  I do not think the Egg issue really impacts the passage one way or the other. Although I am a supported of 510 and the House version, I do not think there is time for the Senate to pass it, there to be a conference committee and the President to sign it. Once the Reps take over the House and possibly the Senate, food safety legislation is toast. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:17 Bill Marler

12:18

Kim ODonnel:  You mean not enough time to pass it before Election Day? What can voters do? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:18 Kim ODonnel

12:18

Bill Marler:  we are representing nearly 100 SE cases against Wright and have filed suit in Iowa Federal Court. We have a hearing early next week on an order to get into the plants. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:18 Bill Marler

12:19

Bill Marler:  Call your Senators and email them. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:19 Bill Marler

12:19

Kim ODonnel:  When you say, you've got a hearing to get an order into the egg plants: Is this because you've been denied access into the egg plants? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:19 Kim ODonnel

12:20

Bill Marler:  I asked nicely once for permission to bring in my experts. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:20 Bill Marler

12:21

Kim ODonnel:  Fyi, the sponsor of S.510 is Richard Durbin (D-IL). The House version (HR 2749) was passed July 2009 by a 283-142 vote. Sponsor: John Dingell (D-=MI) Thursday September 9, 2010 12:21 Kim ODonnel

12:22

Kim ODonnel:  Can you give us an update on Mr. Parnell, the peanut man? What's this I hear that he's back to work? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:22 Kim ODonnel

12:24

Bill Marler:  As a consultant to the peanut industry - shocking. 9 head and over 700 sickened. The US Attorneys in VA and GA must be asleep. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:24 Bill Marler

12:25

Kim ODonnel:  For context, Bill and I met two years ago, when I interviewed him for a story about salmonella contamination in peanut butter & peanut products that led to one of the largest food recalls in history. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:25 Kim ODonnel

12:25

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  What's the resistance to food safety? Do large food producers sit around and say, "welp, several people died but at least we got another million dollars"? What blows my mind is that there are people who run these companies--not robots. When you talk to these people, are they human? Wouldn't it cost less money in the long run to make things safe vs. deal with lawsuits? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:25 Jeanne in Seattle

12:26

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  Hey there! Thanks for hosting and welcome to Bill! Thursday September 9, 2010 12:26 Guest

12:26

Bill Marler:  Sorry, meant, dead not head. Still early here. I must admit, people at the conference are shocked by the number of large outbreaks and recalls they see from the US and wonder about why no prosecution of Parnell. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:26 Bill Marler

12:27

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Jeanne - as a former attorney - I can tell you many folks will choose higher profits over risk that costs money to abate. Look at BP. Everyone is outraged but how many hold stock in their portfolio and make money from year on year profits of company like that? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:27 Jackie

12:28

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  There's plenty of directions to point fingers but that doesn't move us forward unless people connect the dots and change behavior. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:28 Jackie

12:28

Bill Marler:  Jeanne, I ask that question all the time. That is why I spend about 50% of my time suing them and 50% trying to convince them that is a bad idea to poison your customers. I fear it is a lot like speeding or wearing your seat belt. if you do not think you will ever get caught, why do it? Or you do it because it is the right thing to do. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:28 Bill Marler

12:28

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  I cannot buy super cheap eggs and pretend that horrific problems are not my concern. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:28 Jackie

12:29

Bill Marler:  Jackie - it is really about consumer choice. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:29 Bill Marler

12:29

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  I agree Bill. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:29 Jackie

12:30

Kim ODonnel:  Bill, has there been any investigation into products containing any of the contaminated eggs? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:30 Kim ODonnel

12:30

[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  One problem I have is when commodity industry folks blame people for not preparing food "properly." But is it realistic to expect our food to be sterile? You've touched on this but having worked in DC for years, legislated solutions make me nervous. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:30 Carrie Oliver

12:31

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: it's good to know that I'm not crazy for wondering this. I guess my thought is: why not spend the money on making things safer vs. spending the money on lawsuits and recalls? Has anyone done a study on the comparative costs of each? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:31 Jeanne in Seattle

12:31

Bill Marler:  Kim, you mean like cake batter, etc? Not that I am aware of. Most, if not all the cases we have seen are from restaurants. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:31 Bill Marler

12:31

Kim ODonnel:  Yes, that's what I mean, anything "value-added." Thursday September 9, 2010 12:31 Kim ODonnel

12:32

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Kim: Good question. I read in the newspaper that the contaminated eggs are being put in processed food because they can "kill the pathogens" with the processing. Eek. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:32 Jeanne in Seattle

12:32

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Seafood inspections is another example. We import huge amounts of SE Asian shrimp, environmentally socially and other ways, unsustainable. And a very very small amount is ever tested. Much of it is farmed in toxic conditions. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:32 Jackie

12:33

Kim ODonnel:  Jackie, been thinking about Gulf seafood so much of late and its safety.  There's talk about oil but what about dispersants & their toxicity/impact on safety of seafood? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:33 Kim ODonnel

12:33

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  We cannot rely solely on industry to self police nor on govt to regulate and inspect. It's not either/or. We need vigilance up and down supply chain. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:33 Jackie

12:33

Bill Marler:  There have been several studies well done. I think the main point is that the profit motive for price ans sales makes companies not think about the longer term risks of poisoning customers. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:33 Bill Marler

12:34

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Good Morning, Mr. Marler! While I understand that there is risk involved in consuming raw milk, why is the FDA (or is it the USDA? Their lines of territory are so convoluted!) using it as a rallying-cry for food safety? Yes, there should be some regulations involved. Yes, there are localized outbreaks that sicken consumers. But in comparison to the huge corporations and nation-wide recalls and spreads of bacteria, isn't this like bringing a gun to a knife-fight? FWIW, I live in the heart of PA, Amish and raw-dairy country. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:34 Erin

12:35

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Kim from what I've heard the dispersants are much more problematic as they make the particulates small enough to be ingested by the sea creatures. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:35 Jackie

12:35

Bill Marler:  Jackie - I have been to fish farms in Asia and their processing centers. Although I agree with the sustainability issue, those factories are some of the best and are inspected far more often than US facilities. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:35 Bill Marler

12:35

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  I'm glad that Susan Spicer et al filed a suit on behalf of NOLA restaurateurs. It will be years before they can assess fully the damage there but at least the suit gives people something to talk about. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:35 Jackie

12:35

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: not sure what you mean. Are you saying that it is still more profitable to companies to produce unsafe food and deal with the lawsuits and recalls rather than put safer practices in place? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:35 Jeanne in Seattle

12:36

[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  Bill, where do you think retailers fall into this discussion. My feeling is their pressure to keep prices low (because they are unwilling or unable to compete on other differentiators) puts pressure on industry to continually cut corners or seek cheaper solutions, Thursday September 9, 2010 12:36 Carrie Oliver

12:36

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Jeanne you are correct. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:36 Jackie

12:36

[Comment From louisa louisa : ]  Would Bill Marler eat Gulf seafood? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:36 louisa

12:36

Bill Marler:  Jeanne - I am afraid that is exactly what I am saying. That is why I take the approach I do to litigation and advocacy. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:36 Bill Marler

12:37

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Bill - I think that what you describe is not the majority of the cases. I would love to hear more but it's not what I've read/heard is the majority of the cases. Esp if we're talking about China and food safety - please! Thursday September 9, 2010 12:37 Jackie

12:37

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: so very depressing. I was holding out hope that it was even. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:37 Jeanne in Seattle

12:38

Bill Marler:  Louisa - tough question. I do not eat clams or oysters. I really would like to learn more about the long-term risks of the Oil Spill. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:38 Bill Marler

12:38

Kim ODonnel:  Louisa, right now, today, I feel like more data, studies are needed before I can eat Gulf seafood. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:38 Kim ODonnel

12:38

Kim ODonnel:  And I'll be the first one to line up with my plate. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:38 Kim ODonnel

12:39

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Bill -really? Clams and oysters are some of the most sustainable seafood choices! Thursday September 9, 2010 12:39 Jackie

12:39

Bill Marler:  Re China - they are a developing country. Here is a fact - in 18 years of doing every major food poisoning case, I can count on one hand the cases that involved and import. US companies do a wonderful job of poisoning us. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:39 Bill Marler

12:39

[Comment From louisa louisa : ]  So should I worry that President Obama is encouraging me to eat Gulf seafood? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:39 louisa

12:40

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  anyone care to weigh in on Vilsack? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:40 Jackie

12:40

Bill Marler:  Well, most politicians - R's or D's say the stupidest things. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:40 Bill Marler

12:41

Kim ODonnel:  Bill, I know Erin is dying for a reply to her comment about raw milk! Thursday September 9, 2010 12:41 Kim ODonnel

12:41

Bill Marler:  Vilsack - I think his heart is in the right place. However, the food safety side of USDA should be removed. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:41 Bill Marler

12:42

Kim ODonnel:  Why don't you start, Jackie? Get that ball rolling... Thursday September 9, 2010 12:42 Kim ODonnel

12:42

Kim ODonnel:  I was just about to say that, Bill. I totally think food safety should be its own separate agency. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:42 Kim ODonnel

12:42

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: where do you see all this going? To me it seems like we are heading towards critical mass with the lack of health of our food system in the US. It seems to me that at a certain point in the near future, we, as a citizenry, will have to pay attention. Or, maybe not? Are we getting to the point where we just accept that our food is somewhat poisonous and hope that only "other people" get sick? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:42 Jeanne in Seattle

12:43

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  My concern is that he is too cosy with the huge AG interests in his home state. I recall reading his record was dubious from a consumer stand point... Thursday September 9, 2010 12:43 Jackie

12:43

Bill Marler:  Raw milk - I have seen the negative side of it from the people, mostly children I have represented - see videos at www.realrawmilkfacts.com. I simply do not think the alleged benefits outweigh the real risks. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:43 Bill Marler

12:44

Kim ODonnel:  Jeanne, like I said, more people need to be stark raving mad about this, and I'm not sure why they aren't.  Why do we have this  'open wide, then keep your mouth shut' mindset? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:44 Kim ODonnel

12:44

[Comment From louisa louisa : ]  It also, as a side note, makes no sense that USDA regulates nutrition either. it's a fundamental conflict of interest to be setting nutrition standards and representing those who grow products Thursday September 9, 2010 12:44 louisa

12:45

Bill Marler:  Jeanne - it is all about size. Population is out of control. Until we deal with that were are not going to do very well at dealing with anything else. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:45 Bill Marler

12:45

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I feel like my family are canaries in the coal mine. We are allergic to so many things, both environmental and food, that we have to pay attention to our food and where it comes from. We are "lucky" in that regard. People who don't *have* to pay attention seem to be more laissez-faire about it all. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:45 Jeanne in Seattle

12:45

Bill Marler:  Louisa - agree - USDA should be the AG cheerleader, not our doctor and police. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:45 Bill Marler

12:45

[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  Louisa, I think that the fact that nutrition is regulated in the first place is one of the biggest problems we have in our food system ;) Thursday September 9, 2010 12:45 Carrie Oliver

12:46

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: Population. Hunh. I agree, but wouldn't have expected that as an answer. Would you expand on that? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:46 Jeanne in Seattle

12:46

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Bill I think it's the great unspoken in the sustainability chats. Population control is critical if we're going to share earth/sea limited resources. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:46 Jackie

12:48

Bill Marler:  Population - what are we going to do in 40 years when the earth has a population of 9 Billion? We certainly are not going to feed them with backyard chickens and farmer's markets. More people scrambling for fewer resources? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:48 Bill Marler

12:48

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  Carrie, vis nutrition regs--it's in the interest of public health to provide people with information, but USDA has a long history of commingling info with product placement. For example, fed school lunch programs. Which also, as I believe Mr. Marler can speak to, have had an atrocious food safety record. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:48 Guest

12:49

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I guess my question is: population is an issue due to: 1) limited resources; 2) too many people create too much noise; 3) too many unenlightened people create too much noise? Any or all of the above? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:49 Jeanne in Seattle

12:49

Bill Marler:  But, I have been to China (food safety conferences - really). just in the few years I have been there there has been an explosion of population in the major cities - cars, pollution and food safety issues at home. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:49 Bill Marler

12:49

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Too many people for the world to consume resources as we do Thursday September 9, 2010 12:49 Jackie

12:49

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Enlightened or un - they both eat. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:49 Jackie

12:50

[Comment From louisa louisa : ]  Does Bill eat in china? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:50 louisa

12:50

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  A friend recently worked in Beijing and said you cannot go outside without eyes tearing from smog. Like LA times 100. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:50 Jackie

12:51

Bill Marler:  Yes I do - as frightened as I do in Australia and the US - unless I am at home. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:51 Bill Marler

12:51

Kim ODonnel:  Before we sign off in a few minutes, let's recap on what we consumers can do. You say buy local.  Avoid high-risk foods. What else? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:51 Kim ODonnel

12:51

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Jackie: I know that. But I'm trying to get at why the US population is so unconcerned about food safety. So many other countries have good, solid food safety regulations in place. People say this is because the populations of those countries have pushed for better regulations. Why don't we do this in the US? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:51 Jeanne in Seattle

12:52

Bill Marler:  Engage with your pocketbook - sustainable living costs money. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:52 Bill Marler

12:52

[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  Guest, agree. I was thinking more re: specious label claims e.g. "heart healthy" or "no trans fats" or things such as Omega 3 enhanced pork or eggs. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:52 Carrie Oliver

12:53

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Mr. Marler, my immediate issue isn't about benefits or risks, but being allowed to sell the product in the first place. Plus, with so much else being wrong with our food system, I think that our FDA/USDA has much bigger fish to fry than the small dairy producers and the ripple effect of putting small communities out of work and denying a valuable source of protien and pro-biotics to that community. Absolutely, consumers should know the risks prior to consumption. Our state tests and inspects the dairies close to where I live. I *can* look the farmer in the eye (in fact, I ladle the milk straight from the holding tank into my bottles) and see the certificates. What's next... regulating the sale of small farm eggs, too? How about my garden? Or worse, my farmer's market? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:53 Erin

12:53

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  Carrie-- yes, and what does "natural" mean? And "farm fresh?" ;) Thursday September 9, 2010 12:53 Guest

12:53

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Bill: what are the top high risk foods in the US right now? Thursday September 9, 2010 12:53 Jeanne in Seattle

12:53

Bill Marler:  Jackie - I am still working on that answer - perhaps after this years trips - still going to China, South Africa and Dubai. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:53 Bill Marler

12:54

[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  Are you aware of the letters that the senior scientist Gina Solomon of the NRDC sent to the FDA and NOAA demanding that they fix their testing protocols? they want the FDA to test for Corexit and heavy metals in the Gulf Seafood. http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/gsolomon/flawed_assessment_of_gulf_seaf.html Thursday September 9, 2010 12:54 spocko

12:54

Bill Marler:  Erin, I can't really argue with you - its like arguing about religion. I think you just need to understand my perspective. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:54 Bill Marler

12:54

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Jeanne we are huge diverse population and most people are very disconnected from political action. We've also been trained to expect cheap food as an entitlement. Very complex answers to a seemingly simple question but there you have it... Thursday September 9, 2010 12:54 Jackie

12:55

Bill Marler:  High Risk - Short Term - Raw Milk, Raw Juice, Hamburger, Sprouts, Shell Fish - not necessarily in that order. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:55 Bill Marler

12:56

Bill Marler:  Spocko - thanks - I will look at that. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:56 Bill Marler

12:56

Kim ODonnel:  Spocko, didn't  know that myself. Thanks for the info. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:56 Kim ODonnel

12:56

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  I would like to see (and continue to ask for) more traceability in our foods where most people buy them, supermarkets, grocery stores. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:56 Jackie

12:57

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Whole Foods is pushing their new labeling as a panacea and when I ask about the source of beef i get "Kansas" Thursday September 9, 2010 12:57 Jackie

12:57

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Thank you very much for taking the time to read my comments, Mr. Marler! Good luck on your travels, and thank you very much for participating in this chat. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:57 Erin

12:57

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Or I get the eye-roll "I COULD look it up for you but it would take a few days." Thursday September 9, 2010 12:57 Jackie

12:57

Bill Marler:  Re - Raw Milk - one more thing. I am quite sure that there are many, many farms that do a great job and never cause a problem. However, in the ones that have caused illness, the conditions were horrible on the farm. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:57 Bill Marler

12:57

[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  I've also been tracking some new studies from LEAN Thursday September 9, 2010 12:57 spocko

12:58

Kim ODonnel:  Bring it on, spocko. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:58 Kim ODonnel

12:58

[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  as consumers we must keep asking questions and forcing accountability from those who sell us food Thursday September 9, 2010 12:58 Jackie

12:58

[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  http://leanweb.org/news/index.php They are doing independent testing. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:58 spocko

12:58

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Thank you so very much, Bill! Your work is extraordinarily important and I'm so thankful that you do it. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:58 Jeanne in Seattle

12:58

[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  http://bostonchemicaldata.com/LEAN/ Thursday September 9, 2010 12:58 spocko

12:58

[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  Jackie, genuine traceability is indeed what we need. Just saw proposed cattle rules that stop at the feedlot door :( Thursday September 9, 2010 12:58 Carrie Oliver

12:59

[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  The testing has shown high levels of the chemical components in Corexit. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:59 spocko

12:59

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Carrie: Oh, geez. Eek. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:59 Jeanne in Seattle

12:59

[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  The levels in oysters are especially high. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:59 spocko

12:59

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Mr. Marler, I would love for you to tour the farm that I frequent. Happiness all around. And I 100% respect you if you didn't sip a glass from the tank. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:59 Erin

12:59

Bill Marler:  Traceability - in Australia - they stamp ever egg with a farm Id. Thursday September 9, 2010 12:59 Bill Marler

1:00	[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Spocko: are these for shellfish that are currently being eaten?? Thursday September 9, 2010 1:00 Jeanne in Seattle

1:00	Bill Marler:  Erin - I grew up on a farm and I know what a good farm looks like. I wish you the best. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:00 Bill Marler

1:00	[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  If Australia can do it, we should be able to, too. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:00 Jackie

1:00	[Comment From spocko spocko : ]  Jeanne: I believe they are from beds in areas that have been declared safe. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:00 spocko

1:01	[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Thanks all and thanks Bill! Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Jackie

1:01	Bill Marler:  OK, off to NZ and then to DC. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Bill Marler

1:01	[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Spocko - you're talking about GULF oysters, right? Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Jackie

1:01	[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  When I worked at Labatt, we were able to trace a glass inclusion to a specific bottle mold and few hour window of production. Why can't we do the same with food. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Carrie Oliver

1:01	Kim ODonnel:  Let's give Bill Marler a round of virtual applause for joining us in the wee hours of the morning from Australia. Thank you for your time & thanks to the rest of you for a very stimulating conversation. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Kim ODonnel

1:01	Bill Marler:  Cheers Mates Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Bill Marler

1:01	Kim ODonnel:  Bill, we'll get you back online later this year. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:01 Kim ODonnel

1:02	Kim ODonnel:  Awesome hour, everyone. All best. Thursday September 9, 2010 1:02 Kim ODonnel

1:02	[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]  Woo Hoo! YAY Bill! Thursday September 9, 2010 1:02 Jackie

1:02	[Comment From Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver : ]  Thank you Kim and Bill Marler. *applause* Thursday September 9, 2010 1:02 Carrie Oliver

1:02	[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  *Applause* Thursday September 9, 2010 1:02 Jeanne in Seattle