The recent E. coli panic connected to locally packed spinach
contains several valuable lessons not directly linked to public
health. One of the most important is that it makes good sense for
consumers to understand where their food comes from, and to
”
buy local
”
to the greatest degree possible.
The recent E. coli panic connected to locally packed spinach contains several valuable lessons not directly linked to public health. One of the most important is that it makes good sense for consumers to understand where their food comes from, and to “buy local” to the greatest degree possible.
The contamination that claimed one life and spread through much of the nation –and its associated panic – points up several things.
One is that the industry has transformed itself to meet consumer demand. While the contaminated spinach was conventionally grown, its packer built its reputation is a top-quality organic producer. Consumer demand fueled the rapid growth of the organic industry over the past decade and a half. It’s become big business, with big distribution networks.
Thus, a food contamination problem that would have been very localized when mom and pop organic growers moved their produce through farmers markets becomes a national headache. Moreover, tracing the source of contamination is a monumental chore, because this packer had been buying spinach from 150 different area producers.
Several agricultural associations are actively conducting “buy local” campaigns. Consumers can build strong partnerships with the people who feed them. There are many good reasons to do so.
Far fewer resources are expended in transporting food that is fresher.
When people understand how their food is produced, they are able to make informed decisions about land use that support the continued viability of agriculture.
In San Benito County, agriculture was a $268 million business last year, according to the county agriculture commissioner. It makes sense for us all to feed our region’s most powerful economic engine.
