Since 2007 began American consumers have been hit hard as it relates to foodstuffs.  First, we saw our pets become sick and die and now, those of us who receive FDA Recall Bulletins are seeing processed foods, vitamins and assorted sundries affected by botulism, listeria, salmonella, undeclared ingredients, etc., etc., etc.
 
Seeking information, all have learned so many things since that time.  We became aware of the deficient manufacturing standards in China, the lack of conclusively protecting the consumer by governmental agencies, the need for new legislation as it relates to labeling, the inclusion of unknown and hazardous substances in foods, both human and agro, transgenic grains and the lack of consumer awareness as it relates to all of the above.  Please understand, I do not state this fact in a malicious or finger pointing way, whatsoever.  It is simply because most of us had been under the impression that the responsibilities of the FDA, USDA, FSIS, etc. included keeping the food chain safe, both for humans and those we love as family members, pets.

The Dept. of Agriculture, by way of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), has posted Federal Register Docket No. FSIS 2007-0018 entitled, Disposition of Hogs and Chickens From Farms Identified as Having Received Pet Food Scraps Contaminated With Melamine and Melamine-Related Compounds and Offered for Slaughter.  This notice pertains to the hogs and chickens that tested positive for melamine and melamine related compounds (cyanuric acid) and whether they should be slaughtered and allowed to enter the food chain.  Indeed, many of us were under the impression that the hogs and chickens had already been allowed into the food chain but, instead, they had actually been released from quarantine according to FSIS, and public comment, specifically as it relates to the slaughter and introduction into the human food chain of the agro-animals, is being sought until August 28, 2007.  Comments are accepted by email or website. fsis.regulationscomments@fsis.usda.gov being sure to include the docket number and title of notice in the subject line or http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main

Considering this could have easily slipped by unnoticed, it appears, rather, to be a wake-up call to awareness and vigilance.  Awareness as it relates to the consumer and vigilance as it relates to governing agencies in charge of acceptable food chain and assorted life products.  I certainly cannot speak for anyone else upon this forum, but I for one cannot fully trust the food I purchase in the grocery stores or in restaurants, as I have become ill from the consumption of both, as have my kids and pets.  In order to insure the safety of the food chain, I would like to suggest everyone take a look at the Federal Register once a week or so, just to keep on top of what the governmental agencies are proposing, because it is here that the consumer has the chance to express views, ideas or opinions during public comment periods.

For example, the closing comment period with respect to Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Lamb, Pork, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 60 [Docket No. AMS-LS-06-0081; LS-04-04] RIN 0581-AC26 is August 20, 2007.  Consumers should be pro-active as it concerns this issue and submit their input for consideration.  Commenting upon this issue during the open comment period opens an avenue to ensure the safety of the consumer, as expressed ideas or opinions have been addressed and the corresponding agency has notice before the law is put into effect.  Individuals desiring to comment re COOL can do so via email COOL@usda.gov, being sure to include the docket number and title of notice in the subject line, or they can comment via website at http://www.regulations.gov. 

I have to admit, had I not known about the Federal Register, I would not have been able to cite the above information, bringing it to the forefront and onto the forum for discussion.  I cannot stress enough that one tiny voice will NEVER be heard, it is only through the cacophony of many will anything be heard and acted upon.  The public comment avenue opens doors for all American CONSUMERS and together people CAN make a difference.  Please stand at the door and open it for safety sake. 

Thank you so very much.

Federal Register and email notification sign-up (scroll to the right):  http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main

FDA docket summary page: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/dailys07.htm

FDA daily docket page: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/081707tc..htm

FDA recalls by email: https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=fda-recalls-l&A=1

Sincerely,
Donna

~ The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is a duty of the living to do so for them ~
    Lois McMaster Bujold, 2002 Diplomatic Immunity, US Science Fiction Author