USDA withheld information from state in E. coli investigation

[RC]

USDA withheld information from state in E. coli investigation
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press - Thursday, October 12, 2006

Federal officials refused to tell Minnesota authorities which of two beef plants were linked to a fatal E. coli outbreak last summer, according to a state report.

One woman died and at least 17 people were sickened from the E. coli outbreak in the Longville area, after eating ground beef.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health report, state officials narrowed the source of the E. coli to two processing plants - which they identified only as "Plant A" and "Plant B."

<SNIP>

"I suppose it's par for the course for USDA, but I'm shocked that the USDA refused to disclose the name of the plant that had the positive sample, which clearly is the source of the E. coli that poisoned people," Marler said. "The USDA is more concerned with protecting industry than protecting the public health."

http://www.in-forum.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view&id=D8KNDA6O1

* * * * *

More reason not to eat U.S. beef in this country.

[Eurobabe]

1. Imagine that, mad cows everywhere

n/t

[MadHound]

2. Stop buying your meat, dairy, bread and produce in the grocery store

Buy as much as possible from your local farmers' market. That way you know, and develop a personal relationship with the person who grew and processed your food. The food is better tasting and healthier for you. And you're supporting the local economy. Mass produced grocery food is becoming an ever increasing hazard in so many ways, from e-coli to the pollution expended in order to bring you "fresh" tomatoes all the way from Central America.

Stop being a passive consumer of your food. Get involved, get informed, get local!

[SpiralHawk]

4. Or join a CSA - Community Supported Agriculture

"Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers a way for every human being to be directly involved in the care and healing of the earth, while also ensuring a supply of clean, healthy food for their families and their neighbors..."

(snip)

http://www.chiron-communications.com/farms.html

[HereSince1628]

3. Well, clearly BushCo cares more about profits than public health

safety. From profits come campaign donations. From health inspections come...healthy people. The choice is clear for a party gripping power for the sake of gripping power.

[OhioChick]

5. "refused to disclose the name of the plant?"

I thought that revealing the name was mandatory?

[rodeodance]

6. The USDA needs to work with the STATE---not keep secrets.

.....The state report, dated in July, was sent to The Associated Press this week by the Seattle law firm of Marler Clark, which represents victims of food poisoning. Managing partner Bill Marler said his firm is not representing any victims from the Longville area, but may sue the USDA for not providing the information to state authorities. The state health department gave the report to AP on Thursday.

"I suppose it's par for the course for USDA, but I'm shocked that the USDA refused to disclose the name of the plant that had the positive sample, which clearly is the source of the E. coli that poisoned people," Marler said. "The USDA is more concerned with protecting industry than protecting the public health."

Responded Cohen: "Our record of going after companies that produce and distribute contaminated product completely contradicts that statement."

[nam78_two]

7. Are the USDA, the EPA and the FDA in some kind of competition for

the title of most corrupt governmental agency? Seems that way...
And then there is heckuva job FEMA :eyes:

Seriously, its like Krugman predicted a few years ago-these govt agencies are getting more useless and corrupt everyday under these guys and eventually they are gonna be able to say "Oh look govt programs don't work-small govt is the way to go" :eyes:

[terip64]

8. grass fed beef ONLY!

[RC]

9. Just make sure that the grass is

not down hill from the feed lot.