Food Safety in America... What has Happened?... What is Happening?

What has happened to the safety of our food supply in America? Everyday we see national and local news reports about unsafe food causing people to become sick, even hospitalized. In the past, we seldom experienced food recalls, and when we did, they were not as widespread and dangerous as they are today.

Is it because we consume more food as a result of population growth? But incredible advancements in agricultural output and productivity have been made, so increased consumption would not seem to be the cause.

Or is it because we have a diminished accountability for food safety? Is it because companies so want to maximize their profits that they compromise, and even endanger, the consumers that ultimately consume the food they produce, ship and sell?

Technology has facilitated increased productivity and profits in many industries. Has there been enough investments in the ways technology can help insure the safety of the food we consume? What examples are we hearing about that demonstrate the use of technology for food safety improvements?

We hear reports that the Senate is evaluating ways for improvements in food safety. Their research has determined that a large part of the problem exist because food travels through many different channels as it is logistically moved from the farm fields to the forks in homes and restaurant. Is there a standardized process of monitoring food as it moves through those various channels? If not, is the Senate going to legislate that procedures be implemented and adhered to.

Something serious has to be done! We can no longer go to the grocery store or restaurant feeling like we are "rolling the dice" because the food we buy and consume... just might put us or a loved one in the hospital... or worse!