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The Food Dialogues is a site created and managed by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). USFRA created The Food Dialogues to answer Americans’ questions about how food is grown and raised. This organization, which is a coalition of farmers, ranchers and their industry partners, is committed to continuously improving how they grow and raise food that provides healthy choices for people everywhere. Through The Food Dialogues, USFRA hopes to bring together different viewpoints on farming and ranching and the future of food to solve our most challenging problems.

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Questions Within: Food Safety

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It continues to break my heart reading stories of how consumers have lost trust for the way their food is grown. How do we regain this trust?

Author: beckyandinghurley

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

What is the truth behind "Pink Slime"? What can be done to stop the current onslaught by the media to remove this product from schools and store? From what I understand this will have a large impact on the AG economy all the way back to the producers. This is a safe, wholesome, 100% Beef product, that is lower in fat, and lower in cost. Why is this a problem for so many?

Author: Curtis

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

How can we continue to call sea-products/(organic?) I know most "organic growers", often use sea products and many other OMRI sanctioned items but I beg people to remember that our oceans are unregulated and have so very much pollution in them how can we say we are growing organically when we use the products produced from the seas? Also, don't most people realize that many natural and or biological insecticide and or pesticides are still really poison? I support the natural order of things, and I support growing in a healthy good way - for the health of the planet and of our bodies, I just want folks to be honest with themselves about really where it's ALL coming from. I'm just saying..

Author: Rochelle

:

Topic: Food Safety

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Comment (0)

0

Vote

Do you promote the mandatory labeling of GMO produce (or products containing any GMO)?

Author: Al

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Why is there so much resistance to labeling products that contain GMOs? Consumers have the right to know. I believe most do not want to consume GMOs.

Author: Tatebigpapa

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

1

Vote

I've been hearing some folks in my town arguing against pasteurized milk. Can you explain what pasteurizing does to make milk safe? What are the relevant issues that we need to know about this pasteurized vs. raw milk issue?

Author: Cathy Stanford

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (2)

1

Vote

Can Holly berries and leaves be used as garnish

Author: tim

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

How familiar are you with the steps beef producers (from farm to store) take to make sure the beef you eat is safe and wholesome? Please watch the following youtube videos and let us know what other information you would find useful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AnPKEOjWyo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fj81Ljx58s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHFnSU04DFw

Author: RAJochum

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Because much of the world rejects gmo's because of health concerns, why doesn't the industry fund a valid study that would put these concerns to rest?

Author: mlr

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Just peeled and boiled some carrots for a salad. Put them in the fridge over night. Several sticks have developed a string of little lesion-like bumps, about two inches long length-wise on the outer edge of the carrot stalk. The stalks still look otherwise healthy and do not have any untoward smell or taste. What is this? Ever heard of it before? My grocer has not. Lanny Lutz

Author: Lanny Lutz

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

I just want to ask why many farmers and ranchers support the continuation of the slaughter of our horses for human consumption? I've owned horses for 35 years, and I actually left my native Dallas, Texas and moved to my husband's native Indiana to get away from from Beltex in Ft. Worth and Dallas Crown in Kaufman after one too many ghastly experiences, some of which I mention in my profile. They're both gone now, but they were certainly there in 1992 when I opted OUT. I am certainly not against animal agriculture - or ANY agriculture - but I darn well AM against horse slaughter and will fight to have it banned if it takes the rest of my life. That's why I was so totally shocked to see cattlemen support this horror. It seems SO counter-productive. The European Union - where most of our horse meat goes - is well aware that in the US horses are not considered food animals and thus are not regulated as such. The FDA does not require drug clearance tests for horse products, so there are many substances - both prescription and over-the-counter that are banned for use in food animals, both in the US and the EU. They know their rules are being ignored and circumvented and by 2013 they will require the US to have horses on a system comparable to their passport system or they will not be accepted at EU certified plants in Mexico and Canada. Unfortunately, this indifference - and even rabid support - for the flouting of food safety rules is spilling over into legitimate animal-ag. At a time when cattlemen are pinning their hopes on growing the international market, horse slaughter is giving all our animal-ag/meat industry a black eye. And not only abroad. I hate so see this happening almost as much as I hate horse slaughter. All producers of meat products know how highly regulated the lives of food animals are. They know that an animal must be raised as a food animal from birth and are subject to strict rules and record keeping. Surely you also know that none of this is true for horses. Phenylbutazone - bute - is THE most widely prescribed drug in equine veterinary medicine. I know my own horses have all had bute at one time or another. And bute alone is more than enough reason to end slaughtering our horses for humans to eat. It is extremely dangerous for humans - especially children. I'm sure you all know that. So, again I ask - WHY? I honestly want to know. Thanks.

Author: Suzanne Moore

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

I asked a question. I have no voice on my computer, it is broken, can you respond to my question by email???

Author: susy

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

A neighbor gave us baby back ribs to cook for a neighborhook pot luck. When package opened, a strong smell. Are these o.k.to cook and eat?

Author: susy

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Eliminate factory farms!! Implement organic community farms across this country; small community farms within the community; implement raising farm fish & clams on these farms; thank you.

Author: gailflaherty@yahoo.com

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (5)

18

Vote

Is there a portable or stationary technology in development right now that is close to being able to help immediately be able detect salmonella, e-coli, or campylobactor jejuni that will help farmers? If not, is the USFRA trying to develop a tool or kit that will help farmers with this problem?

Author: trent marchand

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

1

Vote

Does one meat (chcken, beef, turkey, port) require a lot more money than another to make it safe to raise and keep from getting contaminated on a farm?

Author: trent marchand

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Do random health inspections by officials happen on farms or are they scheduled? If there are violations, would the beef, chicken, fruit, or whatever the crop/livestock that was sold be immediately recalled?

Author: trent marchand

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

why is the food industry generally and the beef industry specifically always defending the wholesomness and safety measures taken while the chicken and pork industries have no such problems? it seems to me that the beef industry has done a poor job of garnering support politically and with the media to have a more positive acceptance in our society -though the product is still very popular

Author: patrick gurrentz

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

3

Vote

I notice many of the farmers and ranchers saying that they care as much about their animals and crops as do consumers. While this may be true on a family farm, it is demonstrably untrue for large factory farms and the manufacturers of chemical fertilizers and GMO seeds, as has been brought home by numerous studies showing how these substances are not only harming our natural environment, but the health and well being of people all over the world. Why, if this organization says it wants to be a part of the solution, are there NO organizations devoted to growing organically or cleaning up toxins in our environment?

Author: Keyspoet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (35)

81

Vote

How is this a dialogue when none of the answers have received a single response?

Author: Keyspoet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (1)

1

Vote

How can we take this effort seriously when the advisory panel includes Monsanto and DuPont, arguably two of the companies most responsible for the current deplorable state of our food supply; AND includes not a single organic or non-chemical producer or organization??

Author: Keyspoet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (10)

55

Vote

Do the antibiotics and hormones used in animal agriculture pose a threat to people?

Author: smalleycattleco

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (3)

9

Vote

Why is "Genetically Modified" being pushed as 'the way' to ensure better food supply? How does the USFRA stand on GMO agriculture?

Author: Rick van Vliet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (6)

24

Vote

outbreak of listeriosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by eating contaminated food. Since my daughter aged 19 eat a CANTALOUPE some 12 days ago she has been hurting in the upper stomach and thowing up and diarria do you think it it this desease and if it is how do we get her tested? though she seems a little better after we gave her home remedies. Is there a permanent damage caused by this illness?

Author: Shenaz

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

This statement was posted on KeepFoodLegal.org by Deb's Place Healthshockdotnet (FB name) "I will jump for joy the day the FDA stops raiding raw and organic food co-ops, you can transport raw milk across state lines legally, and when GMOs are labeled on all foods that are processed." Thoughts or responses?

Author: TruffleMedia

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (1)

3

Vote

What practices are farmers and ranchers doing today to keep our food safe?

Author: USFRA

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (1)

5

Vote

I notice many of the farmers and ranchers saying that they care as much about their animals and crops as do consumers. While this may be true on a family farm, it is demonstrably untrue for large factory farms and the manufacturers of chemical fertilizers and GMO seeds, as has been brought home by numerous studies showing how these substances are not only harming our natural environment, but the health and well being of people all over the world. Why, if this organization says it wants to be a part of the solution, are there NO organizations devoted to growing organically or cleaning up toxins in our environment?

Author: Keyspoet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (35)

81

Vote

How can we take this effort seriously when the advisory panel includes Monsanto and DuPont, arguably two of the companies most responsible for the current deplorable state of our food supply; AND includes not a single organic or non-chemical producer or organization??

Author: Keyspoet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (10)

55

Vote

Why is "Genetically Modified" being pushed as 'the way' to ensure better food supply? How does the USFRA stand on GMO agriculture?

Author: Rick van Vliet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (6)

24

Vote

Eliminate factory farms!! Implement organic community farms across this country; small community farms within the community; implement raising farm fish & clams on these farms; thank you.

Author: gailflaherty@yahoo.com

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (5)

18

Vote

Do the antibiotics and hormones used in animal agriculture pose a threat to people?

Author: smalleycattleco

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (3)

9

Vote

What practices are farmers and ranchers doing today to keep our food safe?

Author: USFRA

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (1)

5

Vote

This statement was posted on KeepFoodLegal.org by Deb's Place Healthshockdotnet (FB name) "I will jump for joy the day the FDA stops raiding raw and organic food co-ops, you can transport raw milk across state lines legally, and when GMOs are labeled on all foods that are processed." Thoughts or responses?

Author: TruffleMedia

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (1)

3

Vote

why is the food industry generally and the beef industry specifically always defending the wholesomness and safety measures taken while the chicken and pork industries have no such problems? it seems to me that the beef industry has done a poor job of garnering support politically and with the media to have a more positive acceptance in our society -though the product is still very popular

Author: patrick gurrentz

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

3

Vote

How is this a dialogue when none of the answers have received a single response?

Author: Keyspoet

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (1)

1

Vote

Is there a portable or stationary technology in development right now that is close to being able to help immediately be able detect salmonella, e-coli, or campylobactor jejuni that will help farmers? If not, is the USFRA trying to develop a tool or kit that will help farmers with this problem?

Author: trent marchand

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

1

Vote

I've been hearing some folks in my town arguing against pasteurized milk. Can you explain what pasteurizing does to make milk safe? What are the relevant issues that we need to know about this pasteurized vs. raw milk issue?

Author: Cathy Stanford

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (2)

1

Vote

Why is there so much resistance to labeling products that contain GMOs? Consumers have the right to know. I believe most do not want to consume GMOs.

Author: Tatebigpapa

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

1

Vote

outbreak of listeriosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by eating contaminated food. Since my daughter aged 19 eat a CANTALOUPE some 12 days ago she has been hurting in the upper stomach and thowing up and diarria do you think it it this desease and if it is how do we get her tested? though she seems a little better after we gave her home remedies. Is there a permanent damage caused by this illness?

Author: Shenaz

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Do random health inspections by officials happen on farms or are they scheduled? If there are violations, would the beef, chicken, fruit, or whatever the crop/livestock that was sold be immediately recalled?

Author: trent marchand

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Does one meat (chcken, beef, turkey, port) require a lot more money than another to make it safe to raise and keep from getting contaminated on a farm?

Author: trent marchand

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

A neighbor gave us baby back ribs to cook for a neighborhook pot luck. When package opened, a strong smell. Are these o.k.to cook and eat?

Author: susy

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

I asked a question. I have no voice on my computer, it is broken, can you respond to my question by email???

Author: susy

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

I just want to ask why many farmers and ranchers support the continuation of the slaughter of our horses for human consumption? I've owned horses for 35 years, and I actually left my native Dallas, Texas and moved to my husband's native Indiana to get away from from Beltex in Ft. Worth and Dallas Crown in Kaufman after one too many ghastly experiences, some of which I mention in my profile. They're both gone now, but they were certainly there in 1992 when I opted OUT. I am certainly not against animal agriculture - or ANY agriculture - but I darn well AM against horse slaughter and will fight to have it banned if it takes the rest of my life. That's why I was so totally shocked to see cattlemen support this horror. It seems SO counter-productive. The European Union - where most of our horse meat goes - is well aware that in the US horses are not considered food animals and thus are not regulated as such. The FDA does not require drug clearance tests for horse products, so there are many substances - both prescription and over-the-counter that are banned for use in food animals, both in the US and the EU. They know their rules are being ignored and circumvented and by 2013 they will require the US to have horses on a system comparable to their passport system or they will not be accepted at EU certified plants in Mexico and Canada. Unfortunately, this indifference - and even rabid support - for the flouting of food safety rules is spilling over into legitimate animal-ag. At a time when cattlemen are pinning their hopes on growing the international market, horse slaughter is giving all our animal-ag/meat industry a black eye. And not only abroad. I hate so see this happening almost as much as I hate horse slaughter. All producers of meat products know how highly regulated the lives of food animals are. They know that an animal must be raised as a food animal from birth and are subject to strict rules and record keeping. Surely you also know that none of this is true for horses. Phenylbutazone - bute - is THE most widely prescribed drug in equine veterinary medicine. I know my own horses have all had bute at one time or another. And bute alone is more than enough reason to end slaughtering our horses for humans to eat. It is extremely dangerous for humans - especially children. I'm sure you all know that. So, again I ask - WHY? I honestly want to know. Thanks.

Author: Suzanne Moore

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Just peeled and boiled some carrots for a salad. Put them in the fridge over night. Several sticks have developed a string of little lesion-like bumps, about two inches long length-wise on the outer edge of the carrot stalk. The stalks still look otherwise healthy and do not have any untoward smell or taste. What is this? Ever heard of it before? My grocer has not. Lanny Lutz

Author: Lanny Lutz

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Because much of the world rejects gmo's because of health concerns, why doesn't the industry fund a valid study that would put these concerns to rest?

Author: mlr

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

How familiar are you with the steps beef producers (from farm to store) take to make sure the beef you eat is safe and wholesome? Please watch the following youtube videos and let us know what other information you would find useful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AnPKEOjWyo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fj81Ljx58s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHFnSU04DFw

Author: RAJochum

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Can Holly berries and leaves be used as garnish

Author: tim

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

Do you promote the mandatory labeling of GMO produce (or products containing any GMO)?

Author: Al

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

How can we continue to call sea-products/(organic?) I know most "organic growers", often use sea products and many other OMRI sanctioned items but I beg people to remember that our oceans are unregulated and have so very much pollution in them how can we say we are growing organically when we use the products produced from the seas? Also, don't most people realize that many natural and or biological insecticide and or pesticides are still really poison? I support the natural order of things, and I support growing in a healthy good way - for the health of the planet and of our bodies, I just want folks to be honest with themselves about really where it's ALL coming from. I'm just saying..

Author: Rochelle

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

What is the truth behind "Pink Slime"? What can be done to stop the current onslaught by the media to remove this product from schools and store? From what I understand this will have a large impact on the AG economy all the way back to the producers. This is a safe, wholesome, 100% Beef product, that is lower in fat, and lower in cost. Why is this a problem for so many?

Author: Curtis

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

It continues to break my heart reading stories of how consumers have lost trust for the way their food is grown. How do we regain this trust?

Author: beckyandinghurley

:

Topic: Food Safety

:

Comment (0)

0

Vote

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