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Controversy over Supermarket Purchases under the SNAP Program | Feb 13, 2012 |
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administered by the USDA is undergoing scrutiny by a number of state legislatures which help fund and administer the program. At issue is whether recipients of SNAP assistance can purchase sodas, snacks and other food products deemed “unhealthful junk”.
Currently 46 million U.S. citizens are consuming groceries purchased with SNAP funds. Attempts to restrict purchases have been introduced into the legislatures of Illinois, Oregon, California, Vermont and Texas although none of the bills have been passed. A Bill sponsored by Ronda Storms which was approved 4 to 2 last week in the Florida State Senate by the Committee on Child and Elderly Affairs is being vigorously opposed.
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HSUS Gain Publicity from NC "Puppy Mills" | Feb 13, 2012 |
Newspapers in the state of North Carolina have published reports on the “rescue” of dogs from so-called “puppy mills” in the State. Conditions at some of these operations in many cases border on willful neglect and exploitation. Many of these unregulated enterprises are located in rural locations where they multiply popular breeds, frequently holding their breeders and progeny under appalling conditions of management and hygiene.
The HSUS has exploited this situation in a number of states including North Carolina by engendering publicity through “raids”. A bill to license and regulate commercial-scale dog breeders was introduced into the North Carolina legislature in 2009 and was passed by the Senate. Subsequently the House rejected S.B. 460 as being “too divisive”.
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The Komen Controversy — A Parallel to the HSUS | Feb 13, 2012 |
Recent adverse publicity has drawn attention to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and its activities. Although the avowed intent of this mega-charity has been to find the cause and the cure for breast cancer the organization has progressively diverted funding away from research. According to their most recent financial statement, Komen raised $420 million in 2011 with an allocation of 15% to awards and grants to clinical research specialists and universities. Although 15% of income represents $63 million, the proportion of income spent on research is considerably less than the 29% allocated in 2008.
In total Komen has reported funding of $685 million over 30 years for basic and applied research. By contrast Big-Pharma allocates 20% or more of revenue to research and development. In contrast to charities, these public corporations have to generate profit to provide shareholders with ever increasing dividends and long-term capital growth. To their credit Komen spend less than 20% of income on fund-raising and administration. Their largest expenditure is on “education” which amounts to 43% of donations.
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"Junk Food" and Weight of Children | Feb 1, 2012 |
According to the weekly newsletter of the Institute of Food Technologists a recent study published in Sociology of Education refutes the widely held contention that food products sold in vending machines, including soda and candy bars did not materially affect the weight of middle-school students. When students were offered competitive foods alongside what many regard as “junk food” there was no tendency to either gain or lose weight. The study which involved nearly 20,000 children considered age, gender, ethnicity, family-income level and school revenue. The most important factor which affected the weight of the participants in the study was their early weight. This suggested that dietary patterns are established before adolescence.
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A Unified Food Safety Agency? | Jan 30, 2012 |
Dr. Richard Raymond, previously responsible for aspects of food safety as the Undersecretary of Agriculture has commented on the newly released Hagstrom Report. This newsletter indicated that the Obama Administration is considering a single Food Safety Agency.
This is an innovation previously supported by EGG-CITE.com, although doubts have been expressed on this site as to practical implementation. The record of the government in consolidating agencies has been at best suboptimal.
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Consolidation Of Regulatory Agencies Proposed | Jan 27, 2012 |
Press reports during the second week of January 2012 confirmed the intention of the Obama Administration to merge federal agencies involved in trade and commerce. The U.S. Trade Representative, the Small Business Administration, the Export/Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency would be combined into a single department within the Department of Commerce.
Congress has expressed concerns over the proposal although the Business Roundtable is supportive. Obviously consolidation will impinge on turf and vested interesst will always fight to support the status quo. An objective of the reorganization will be to save up to $3 billion over 10 years although the proposal will result in the loss of approximately 1,500 positions by attrition and transfer. Currently the U.S. Trade Representative is a cabinet position but was formerly within the Department of State.
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Salmonella Control | Jan 23, 2012 |
A paper presented by Ducatelle et al of Ghent University presented at the XVII World Veterinary Poultry Association meeting in August 2011 is currently circulating on the web. An interpretive summary is provided for the benefit of readers of EGG-CITE.com. It is stressed that the paper deals with control of Salmonella in general although extensive reference is made to Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infection in egg production.
In the context of the U.S. egg production industry it is clear that existing modalities are effective. This is confirmed by the low incidence rate of infection in flocks and the fact that since August 2010 there have been no major recalls associated with SE.
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Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance Studied | Jan 23, 2012 |
An article in the January 17th edition of the Proceedings of the American Academy of Sciences described studies on the mechanism of drug resistance conducted at the USDA-ARS National Animal Disease Center in Ames, IA in conjunction with scientists at Michigan State University.
A compound comprising chlortetracycline, sulfamethazine and penicillin commercially available as ASP 250™ was administered to piglets to study the composition of microbial flora over a two week period. Non-medicated litter mates were used as controls. In the study, phylogenetic, metagenomic and quantative PCR-based techniques were used to assess the effect of sub-therapeutic antibiotic administration. The results showed that the phylotypes of microbial flora demonstrated a higher level of Escherichia coli compared to non-medicated control piglets.
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Crisis Response in the Shadow of the Costa Concordia Sinking | Jan 23, 2012 |
A number of crisis response specialists have commented on the statements issued by the operating company responsible for the stricken cruise liner. Gene Grabowski of Levick Strategic Communications cited in a Bloomberg Report stated “you have to answer with pictures; you have to answer with actions and responsibility, otherwise you are losing the struggle for control of the story”. He added “companies in the midst of a crisis need to apologize and to explain clearly what they are doing to help the people affected and what they are doing to prevent such a thing from happening again”.
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U.S. Gains BASF Research Group | Jan 23, 2012 |
A press announcement on January 17th confirmed that BASF, the multi-national agrochemical company will be moving their entire plant research division from Germany to the U.S., locating in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
The motivation for this consolidation and relocation lies in the fact that the EU has adopted an anti-GMO position. It is evident that the Company is restrained from testing new cultivars in locations close to their research and development laboratories. Ms. Megan Librand a spokesperson for BASF indicated “there is a lack of acceptance for the technology in many parts of Europe” She added “this is a way for us to get into an environment that really is more favorable to the commercialization and development of biotechnology crops”.
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Governor Heineman of Nebraska Tough on HSUS | Jan 21, 2012 |
Governor Dave Heineman continues his firm opposition to the HSUS. In a report in the Omaha World-Herald by Joseph Morton, published on January 8th 2012, Heineman commented “this is about our American way of life and HSUS wants to destroy the American dream for America’s farmers and ranchers”. Speaking at a gathering of state lawmakers responsible for agriculture committees in their respective states Heineman emphasized the importance of remaining on the offensive against the HSUS.
This most recent address continues his previous stand of January 2011 when he challenged HSUS to “come to Nebraska and have the fight of your life”. At this stage HSUS was threatening a ballot initiative and Heineman vowed to work against HSUS and to resist their intimidation. At this time he stated that HSUS would not find a single elected official in Nebraska willing to support HSUS.
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Is there a Ceiling on Prices for Organic Foods? | Jan 14, 2012 |
News reports confirm a shortage of organic milk in Southeast states. This is due to decreased supply as dairy farmers convert from organic to conventional dairy production. Some producers have been forced by financial pressure to dispose of their herds. Small-scale operators unable to farm profitably have reduced feed issued to their herds resulting in a decline in milk yield.
This situation has serious overtones for organic egg production. The cost of feed which represents 75% of wholesale price has escalated in sympathy with conventional ingredients. Competition for organic grain and poultry feed has intensified with the expansion of other livestock segments. The situation will be exacerbated by artificial restraints on the use of synthetic amino acids and other nutrient additives.
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Biofuels Illogic | Jan 14, 2012 |
A report by Matthew Wald in the January 10th edition of The New York Times indicates that petroleum refiners will be fined for not incorporating cellulosic ethanol into fuel blends in 2011. The reason why the industry failed to follow EPA mandates is that there just isn’t any cellulosic ethanol available (see previous EGG-CITE.com commentary January 4th and previous reports). The previous Administration set a target of 250 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol for vehicle fuels for 2011 and 500 million for 2012. These amounts should be viewed against the projected production of 135 billion gallons of gasoline and 51 billion gallons of diesel fuel to be consumed in 2012.
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Motivation of Health Conscious Consumers | Jan 9, 2012 |
A recent study investigating the buying habits of consumers concerned over health and the composition of their foods was evaluated by Mambo Sprouts Marketing. Using a survey approach, the Mambo Track Study examined attitudes and comprehension relating to organic, antibiotic free, non-GMO and gluten-free foods. Of the 1,000 respondents, virtually all purchased organic foods and non-GMO products (99% to 93% respectively) and 85% favored antibiotic free meat and poultry.
In a press report on the study appearing in the FMI Daily Lead of January 3rd the Director of Mambo Track Research stated “price is still very much a top-of-mind factor among consumers”. Price ranked the highest factor at 69%, in determining purchase and where to shop. In comparing responses to 2011, considerations included the range of organic products offered which increased from 56% to 68%; safe food preparation and storage rose from 55% to 62% and environmentally friendly practices from 25% to 31%. Although the study was conducted on a demographic committed to specialty health-related products, price was obviously more than twice as important as environmental considerations.
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The Need for Urban Live-Bird Markets? | Jan 8, 2012 |
A retrospective published in the December 30th New York Times by Anne Barnard documents the demise of the Yeung Sun Live Poultry Market in Brooklyn NY. The article raises the question of the need for these operations in the context of metropolitan U.S. during the second decade of the 21st century.
The abattoir operated for a number of decades supplying freshly-slaughtered chickens, ducks and rabbits to the Asiatic community. According to the report, infiltration of water under the foundations of the establishment led to a collapse of a wall and the subsequent demolition of the building.
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The Future of Organic Agriculture | Jan 8, 2012 |
Two recent news items suggest that ideological conflicts may be emerging in organic agriculture.
An article by Elizabeth Rosenthal of the New York Times entitled “Organic Agriculture May Be Outgrowing Its Ideals” published on December 30th, 2011 draws attention to the environmental impact of large-scale organic production of produce. To take advantages of available labor and weather conditions, tomatoes and other crops are now cultivated in the Baja State of Mexico and are shipped to specialty supermarkets in the U.S. Although these products are apparently produced in conformity with the rules of the National Organic Program there is considerable question as to sustainability.
Cultivation in arid regions requires extensive irrigation which is depleting aquifers and is detrimental to small-scale subsistence farmers in the region. The alternative would be to grow produce in hot houses in the U.S. but this will require expenditure on energy to maintain temperature. Currently the U.S. organic program concentrates on freedom from artificial fertilizers and pesticides. There is no concern for environmental impact or any requirement that water should be conserved in cultivation.
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EPA Biofuels Targets for 2012 | Jan 4, 2012 |
On Wednesday 27th December the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released production targets for biofuels for 2012. In 2011, ethanol production from corn attained 1.25 billion gallons requiring 5 billion bushels or 40.3% of the 12.4 billion bushels harvested. The new standard has been increased by 1.25 billion gallons or 8.2%. This will represent an increase in diversion of corn to 5.4 billion bushels. If the 2012 harvest is equivalent to the 2011 value, corn required for ethanol production will rise to 44% of the harvest.
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The Dilemma of Feeding the Indian Population | Dec 22, 2011 |
India, a member of the BRIC group of nations has long been regarded as a potential market for U.S. products based on the financial advances made by the emerging middle class. The reality is quite different. The growth of the economy in 2011 has slowed markedly. The current account deficit has soared and the stock market is one of the worst performing in Asia. Against increasing disaffection with the economy, the ruling Congress Party has embarked on a mass feeding subsidy system to bolster support before the next election.
According to Nigam Brusty and Frank Daniel of Reuters the Congress Party wishes to supply subsidized food to 810 million people. This program would supplement the existing supply of subsidized grains consumed by 180 million families. The cost of this program is $12 billion annually which represents 1% of GDP.
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Egg Producers Sued for Alleged Price Fixing | Dec 22, 2011 |
Kraft Foods joined by General Mills and Nestle have brought suit against Cal-Maine Foods, Day Break Foods, Hillandale Farms of Pennsylvania Inc., Michael Foods, Sparboe Farms Inc. and the cooperatives United Egg Producers Inc. and United States Egg Marketers Inc. The case entitled Kraft Foods Global Inc. v United Egg Producers Inc. was entered in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois in mid-December.
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Value of the SARE Project for Organic Poultry? | Dec 19, 2011 |
EGG-CITE is indebted to Dr. Eric Gingrich for circulating a report on the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project dealing with prevention and treatment of parasitic conditions in organic poultry. Using public funds, the Sustainable Agriculture Project has prepared a handbook to guide poultry farmers in treating parasitic conditions of poultry. Basically the material presented is garbage since there is no scientific support for therapies suggested including homeopathic agents. Some of the compounds recommended including “nux vomica (strychnine)” are highly toxic and are equally dangerous to flocks and farmers.
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Modifying H5N1 - Playing With Fire? | Dec 19, 2011 |
The December 2nd edition of Science reports on two separate research groups which have modified Avian Influenza Virus Strain H5N1 to be potentially transmissible by the aerogenous route. This modification will enable the strain to pass among humans similar to a conventional H1, H2 or H3 seasonal influenza virus. The modified H5N1 would be far more pathogenic however, representing a pandemic killer virus.
Motivation for modifying what is essentially a virus of avian species is apparently to determine the genetic composition associated with enhanced virulence and is intended to allow researchers and epidemiologists to detect a field strain with high pathogencity to humans.
Unfortunately the modification of the virus falls into the dual-use category reflecting agents which occur naturally but also have potential to be used as biological weapons.
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Conflict over Value of Audits | Dec 14, 2011 |
EGG-CITE previously commented on the outbreak of listeriosis traced back to cantaloupes packed by Jensen Farms of Colorado. Our article emphasized the need for appropriate facilities and installations to handle, process and pack food products including produce and eggs.
According to news reports, Dr. Mansour Samadpour, President of IEH Laboratories and Consulting Group, used this incident to deprecate food safety audits. His criticism is based on the narrow issue of Jensen Farms. Prior to the event an audit of the packing facility had assigned a high score but the auditor had apparently neglected to ascertain that there were profound deficiencies in drainage and hygiene as subsequently documented by FDA personnel. The flippant statement by Samadpour condemning safety audits as “the’re worthless. They give a false sense of security” is vigorously challenged.
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Spreading the Cost of E. coli in the Beef Industry | Dec 14, 2011 |
The USA Today November 29th edition included a feature article entitled “Who should pay to kill E. coli”? Strains of E. coli including serotype O157:H7 result in serious food-borne infection in consumers eating under-cooked ground beef.
A number of modalities have been suggested to reduce the incidence of infection including both pre- and post-harvest techniques. These include vaccination, feeding probiotics and special handling of carcasses. The news item raised a question of who will pay for these improvements. One packer has requested chain restaurants and food service clients to pay extra for ground beef derived from herds which have been vaccinated.
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Implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act | Dec 4, 2011 |
An opinion article in the January 21st 2011 edition of Science by Eric Stocksdad is worthy of recall. According to the Food Safety Modernization Act, the FDA is expected to apply science-based guidance to prevent contamination of food and to apply risk-based analysis to frame regulations. The FDA is now empowered to demand recalls of contaminated food products in accordance with the obligations to the constituents served. Food processing facilities must now be inspected as frequently as every three years. FDA scientist will have to rank risks to food safety and provide suggestions to mitigate hazards at two-year intervals.
In order to achieve these objectives Congress promised that the FDA would receive an additional $1.4 billion over five years. This allocation appears to be in doubt given budgetary restraints. As far back as January 2011 Science reported that Representative Jack Kinston (R-GA) stated to the Washington Post that “the case for a $1.4 billion expenditure isn’t there”.
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Dissention Over Raw Milk | Dec 4, 2011 |
During the past week, two events on both coasts demonstrate the dichotomy relating to agricultural products and public health.
Portland, Maine is expected to endorse an ordinance authorizing the sale of non-pasteurized milk at farmers’ markets. The products will however be labeled with a warning notice confirming the health risk of drinking raw milk. By a similar token, the City Council Health and Recreation Committee will also allow the sale of “hard” non-pasteurized cider at outdoor markets operated by the City.
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USDA Responds to Senator Jerry Moran | Dec 4, 2011 |
A November 10th posting on EGG-CITE.com detailed the opposition by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to a UDSA initiative to present an “Animal Welfare Scientific Forum”. The program involved a substantial contribution by the HSUS. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has emphatically dismissed the suggestion that USDA “takes it cues on animal welfare exclusively from the HSUS”.
Responding to criticism from the National Cattleman’s Beef Association Vilsack stated “we are trying to establish a Department that understands we have a responsibility to listen”. He added as a rebuttal and implied backtrack “what it does mean is that we have to listen and we have to solicit viewpoints and so unfortunately there was a misunderstanding about a certain memo that got out, and essentially what we are talking about is the process by which a lot of people are going to be at the table and we’re going to have a conversation between all those folks at the table”.
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Cellulosic Biofuels a Bust | Dec 4, 2011 |
An October 18th posting on EGG-CITE.com reported on the National Research Council review which questioned the technical and economical feasibility of cellulosic ethanol. The Renewable Fuels Association newsletter Ethanol reported on production statistics on November 23rd.
In 2007 Congress established a target of 500 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels for 2012. More recently in June 2011 the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a volume range of 3.5 to 13 million gallons for 2012. A third agency, the U.S. Department of Energy Information Administration, predicts that only six biofuels producers will be in operation during the year and collectively will probably not exceed the 2011 output of 4 million gallons in the coming year. In actuality the so-called biofuel production from other than corn is in fact derived from municipal garbage and not from wood or switch grass as originally proposed.
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Cornucopia Institute Concern over “Natural” | Nov 21, 2011 |
The Fall 2011 edition of The Cultivator and the accompanying visual presentation on their website <www.cornucopia.org> raises concern over the inclusion of non-NOP approved ingredients in cereals. Their report “Cereal Crimes” decries the use of the term “natural” as a substitute for “organic”.
The real issue facing the Cornucopia Institute, an organic industry advocacy organization is that consumers do not differentiate between the terms “natural” and “organic”. Clearly “organic” requires compliance with the provisions of the National Organic Program administered by the USDA-Agricultural Marketing Services. The term “natural” has no legal definition but is generally regarded as describing a food product which has no artificial additives or antibiotics, but may have been derived from livestock fed products which are derived from GMO sources and which may have been produced using artificial fertilizers.
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Russia Enters the WTO | Nov 21, 2011 |
On Tuesday 8th November, Russia formerly agreed to enter the World Trade Organization which presumes conforming to the regulations of the World body. In accordance with entry into the WTO, Russia will have to reduce import tariffs and will not be allowed to subsidize exports.
Given that major exports from Russia comprise oil, gas and certain raw materials which are exempt from WTO rules, the Nation was understandably reluctant to subscribe to rules which would have impeded their specific trade-protection policies.
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Is there a Future for Transgenic Technology for Poultry? | Nov 21, 2011 |
Professor William Muir of Purdue University posted a perspective article on November 7th relating to his work on the development on transgenic salmon. “AquAdvantage®” (the commercial designation of the strain) was genetically engineered for fast growth by inserting an additional growth hormone gene. The modified strain grows at a faster rate than natural Atlantic salmon and has more favorable feed conversion efficiency.
A number of objections have been raised to GM technology for fish including the danger of interbreeding with natural species. In the case of AquAdvantage® salmon the cultivation will take place in land-based facilities obviating this danger.
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Fallacious ERS Logic on Substitution of DDGS for Corn | Nov 21, 2011 |
The Economic Research Service of the USDA has published data to show that on average a wide one ton of DDGS can replace on average 1.22 tons of a combination of corn and soybean meal across a range of livestock feeds.
The conclusion is intended to support current USDA policy to promote diversion of corn to ethanol to support the Administration’s program of diverting food to fuel at the expense of livestock producers and consumers.
The relative cost of nutrients provided by the major ingredients incorporated in feed for egg production flocks is indicated in the table below. Prices are based on “Feedstuffs” quotations effective November 7th. Nutrient values were obtained from tabular estimates as used by nutritionist in the U.S. The unit cost per nutrient is shown using values for corn at $6.60 per bushel ($240 per US ton), DDGS at $230 per ton, soybean meal at $305 per ton, animal fat at $900 per ton, and meat and bone meal at $320 per ton. It is clear that DDGS is competitive against corn at current prices but not at pre-RFA cost.
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Selling Prices Based on Production Cost? | Nov 10, 2011 |
Traditionally broiler and egg producers sell their products according to free-market principles with supply and demand determining value. Our system incorporates transparency relating to production statistics, price discovery and with no restrictions on production volume. In the absence of collusion, which is illegal, a workable relationship has developed between producers and the food industry which channels product to consumers.
The recent unprecedented increase in feed cost has resulted in severe erosion in profitability in the egg industry. Losses have been sustained by many companies in all segments of the poultry industry, leading to consolidation, acquisitions and bankruptcies among broiler and turkey integrators. The recent massive losses posted by Pilgrims Pride Corporation have initiated consideration of sales contracts which take into account an escalation or decline in the price of feed.
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The Need for Functional Quality in Facilities | Oct 31, 2011 |
Previously EGG-CITE has commented on the epidemiological aspects of the outbreak of listeriosis attributed to consumption of cantaloupes supplied by Jensen Farms in Southwest Colorado.
Detailed on-site investigations of the farm and packing plant disclosed deficiencies which in all probability contributed to contamination of product. It is striking that the observations by CDC investigators identified problems which might be common to any food-borne infection of a processed product including eggs. In the first instance, Listeria infection was in all probability present in the fields where cantaloupes were grown. This would be analogous to a non-SE Salmonella infection in a flock. The Jensen Farms case involved the possibility of a common truck being used to haul reject cantaloupes to a feed lot and moving product to the packing plant. The parallel with deficient decontamination of trailers and transport carts hauling pullets and spent hens would be analogous to the situation with cantaloupes.
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USDA Supports Farmers Markets | Oct 24, 2011 |
The Agriculture Marketing Service has announced grants of $9.2 million to promote direct marketing to farmers markets and other channels. Of striking concern is the statement “with increased consumer access to healthy food”.
Does this imply that food products produced by commercial egg and broilers companies and inspected by the USDA-FSIS and the USDA-AMS, are in fact “unhealthy” or even “less than healthy”?
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FAO Raises Specter of H5N1 Influenza | Oct 19, 2011 |
In September the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a warning that “a major resurgence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza was imminent”. The report added that a mutant strain was spreading within Asia and beyond “with unpredictable risks to human health”. This statement was immediately questioned by other international agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Health Organization for Animal Health (OIE) which downplayed the FAO warning. The OIE stated “based on available information this evolution of the H5N1 virus poses no increased risk to public health”. They added “the OIE statement characterized the emergence of Clade 2.3.2.1 as part of the natural evolution of the virus”.
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HFCS an Emerging Issue | Oct 18, 2011 |
The food industry is concerned over the public perception and negative image of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The compound derived from corn has been implicated in adverse metabolic effects on consumers with considerable controversy over alleged causation of health and behavioral problems especially in children.
The concern over HFCS is reminiscent of consumer resistance to cholesterol in eggs which persisted for three decades and was responsible for a prolonged and progressive decline in per capita consumption.
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Cellulosic Ethanol Questioned | Oct 18, 2011 |
The prestigious National Research Council has issued a 423-page report questioning the economic and technical feasibility of cellulosic ethanol. Commentaries in EGG-CITE.com have previously questioned the justification for expending billions of taxpayer money on research, development and grants for pilot programs.
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The Impact of the Proposed GIPSA Rule | Oct 13, 2011 |
According to the publication, Ag Policy cited by Ag Clips, a sponsored study entitled “An Estimate of the Economic Impact of GIPSA’s Proposed Rule” prepared for the National Meat Association has quantified the effect of the proposed GIPSA Rule. The economists retained by the NMA have determined that the regulations would cost the meat industry over $1.6 billion and affect nearly 23,000 jobs. In contrast, USDA economists maintained that the proposed rule would have a negligible economic effect.
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Could Sugar Show the Way? | Oct 13, 2011 |
Congress is currently reviewing policy on support of domestic production of sugar. Vested interests in sugar producing states have lobbied successfully over the years for protection and subsidies to the detriment of industries which use the commodity. According to the informative Washington insider publication The Hill as cited in Ag Clips, over 100,000 jobs have been lost over a 12 year period in the confectionary and candy industries. Maintaining an artificially high price for domestic U.S. sugar is to the detriment of producers in the Caribbean and other nations and is wasteful and costly to U.S. tax payers. The entire justification and benefits of supporting the sugar cane producers is under review.
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The Dr. Oz Apple Juice Controversy | Sep 23, 2011 |
Populist commentators on cable channels are gaining popularity dispensing advice on health, salvation, politics, wealth and lifestyles. They create norms, entertain and above all influence decisions. Frequently creating issues, ignoring established facts and applying pseudo- science they vie for rating by appealing to emotion and injecting sensationalism into their programs.
The most recent incident involves allegations by Dr. Mehmet Oz that apple juice is contaminated with arsenic and represents a consumer health hazard.
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University of Georgia completes study on manipulation sex ratios in chickens | Sep 17, 2011 |
Scientists at the University of Georgia have completed a study funded by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association relating to hormonal manipulation of sex ratios in white Leghorn chickens.
The objective of the study was to alter the sex ratio in favor of pullets. If achievable this would avoid wastage associated with the current 50% cockerel yield which represents an additional cost of production in addition to welfare concerns over disposal.
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Des Moines Register Article on SE | Sep 5, 2011 |
An article entitled “Register Investigation: Egg Farms Rack Up Violations” appeared in the August 28th edition of the Des Moines Register. Reported Clark Kaufman recounted the disinclination of some egg producers to reveal detailed financial and commercial information at the time of FDA audits conducted in accordance with the FDA Final Rule on Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis introduced in July 2010.
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Dr. Temple Grandin Promotes Transparency | Sep 5, 2011 |
Dr. Temple Grandin, the most recognized and articulate proponent of responsible animal management and welfare recently shared her views on a national website. This commentator has considerable respect for Dr. Grandin for her considerable achievements and accomplishments in advancing welfare and overcoming personal obstacles.
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Carton Claims on Welfare | Aug 18, 2011 |
Sheila Rodriguez JD, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Rutgers School of Law, Camden Campus, has authored an article entitled “The Morally Informed Consumer: Examining Animal Welfare Claims on Egg Labels”. The article is to be published in the Temple Journal of Science Technology and Environmental Law. Basically Rodriguez contends that label descriptors relating to management are misleading. This is in all probability attributed to the fact that there are no standard definitions for housing of non-confined hens. Statements such as “free-roaming”, “cage-free”, “free-range” are self-serving and imperfectly understood within the industry and most certainly give rise to confusion among consumers.
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Mandatory Welfare Labeling – An Industry Benefit? | Aug 9, 2011 |
Agricultural economists affiliated to Kansas State University and Michigan State University recently published on their evaluation of consumer response to mandatory welfare labeling. The study conducted in late 2008 involved 2,001 residents of the U.S. apparently reflecting a broad section of the population. In the words of the authors, Glynn Tonsor and Christopher Wolf “The primary purpose of this survey was to assess current awareness and perception of animal welfare and handling issues”. Regrettably a study conducted in 2008 may not effectively represent “current awareness” in mid-2011, based on extensive publicity before and after passage of state Welfare Board legislation and HSUS Welfare Ballot initiatives.
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The FDA, African Dwarf Frogs and the Egg Industry | Aug 1, 2011 |
In April 2011 Blue Lobster Farms located in Madera County, CA voluntary ceased shipping African Dwarf Frogs nationwide. The young frogs have been implicated in 240 known cases of Salmonella Agona. This situation is similar to the ongoing outbreaks of Salmonella Poona during the early 1970s associated with turtle hatchlings shipped from farms in LA, FL and MS which were responsible for a high incidence rate of salmonellosis in recipients of these “pets”. Accordingly the FDA banned interstate shipment of turtles in 1975 resulting in a sharp decrease in cases of juvenile salmonellosis from 1976 onwards. Apparently Blue Lobster has commenced shipping frogs again and it can be anticipated that additional cases of salmonellosis will occur.
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Cellulosic Ethanol (Part 2) | Jul 28, 2011 |
On May 11th a Commentary entitled Cellulosic Ethanol Receiving Unjustified Federal Support was posted describing the non-productive expenditure on projects to produce cellulosic ethanol.
In a recent release by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the proposed quota for cellulosic biofuel has been reduced from 500 million gallons as specified in federal law to a range of 3 to 13 million gallons. Although the Renewable Fuels Standard allows the EPA to modify production targets, the reduction is effectively an acknowledgment of the technical and financial infeasibility of producing ethanol from other than corn in the U.S.
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European Review of the Influence of the Housing Systems on SE | Jul 24, 2011 |
An article entitled “The Influence of the Housing Systems on Salmonella Infection in Laying Hens: A Review” authored by Van Hoorebeke et al was recently published in the peer review journal Zoonoses in Public Health*. Technical reviews in peer-reviewed journals are intended to evaluate available literature on a subject to provide both those working in the field and interested readers with an appreciation and appraisal by an expert of the current scientific status of an issue. The question of housing systems in relation to SE is an important consideration but is fraught with political and economic overtones. The movement from confined conventional cage housing to either enriched cages or non-confined (aviary, barn or free-range) systems commenced in Europe in the 1980s and has gained considerable ground in the U.S. The recent agreement between the HSUS and the UEP exemplifies the adoption of welfare concepts which originated in the affluent nations of the EU-13.
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Draft Guidance for Industry, FDA Final Rule | Jul 24, 2011 |
The Food and Drug Administration issued the Draft Guidance document for industry concerning the Final Rule on Prevention of Salmonella in shell eggs on July 12, 2011. It is worth repeating that the year of release is 2011 but the Final Rule was published in July 2009 and implemented in July 2010.
This commentator has frequently questioned why the Draft Guidance Document did not precede implementation of the Final Rule. Apparently the document was embroiled in internal legal review. This is no excuse and clearly demonstrates the haste to implement the Final Rule. More than 12 months after implementation with approximately 170 inspections of a projected 600 to be completed by the end of 2011, only now are the FDA requesting comments on their Guidance Document.
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The HSUS-UEP Agreement - The Dust Settles | Jul 23, 2011 |
The reason why HSUS has accepted enriched cages despite firm opposition in the past is a question uppermost in the minds of many industry observers.
In their report Welfare Issues with Furnished Cages for Egg Laying Hens, the HSUS excoriated the system maintaining that all cages were deleterious to welfare and unacceptable. Their report states “Similar to conventional battery cages, furnished cages provide an unacceptably limited amount of space per bird; prevent many important and locomotory activities, including running, jumping, flying and wing flapping; and constrain perching, dust bathing and nesting. The severe locomotory restrictions of cages also prevent hens from obtaining normal amounts of exercise, which in turn leads to skeletal strength and other pathologies”. The abstract of the HSUS report concluded “Allowing for some natural behavior denied in conventional cages, furnished cages remain unable to adequately provide for an acceptable level of welfare for hens kept in commercial egg production”.
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FDA Funding | Jul 21, 2011 |
The Food and Drug Administration may become a victim of budget cuts and could be the recipient of the antagonism of Congressional Republicans at a critical juncture in the history of the Agency. Following extensive lobbying, the Food Modernization Act gave FDA the powers that it requested. Without funding and continuing to apply the traditional paradigm of physical inspection, the FDA will never be able to satisfy its mandate with respect to food safety. If the agency is to inspect 600 foreign food plants in the current year, it will have to drastically increase its human, computer and laboratory assets. Of the 600 domestic poultry farms due to be inspected for compliance with the Final Rule on Prevention of Salmonella only 165 have been audited by midyear.
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The Second Coming of Carbon Dioxide Cooling of Eggs | Jul 7, 2011 |
Dr. Kevin Keener has published on the effect of exposing eggs to rapid cooling using carbon dioxide. The concept was developed in the late 1990s by a research group at North Carolina State University under Dr. Pat Curtis. The objective was to cool eggs rapidly before packing to suppress proliferation of vertically transmitted SE. Although technically efficient at reducing temperature, the patented system which was sponsored by a large multi-national manufacturer and distributor of carbon dioxide failed to gain commercial acceptance. Dr. Keener who was associated with this research has resuscitated the concept and is attempting to promote the system. A review of laboratory-scale trials were presented at the 2011 Midwest Poultry Convention scientific session.
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Pediatricians Call for Ban on Fast Food Ads | Jun 30, 2011 |
Dr. Victor Strasburger the author of a new policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), representing over 50,000 primary care specialists, is urging Congress to impose bans on advertising fast food on television.
In a statement Strasburger stated “it is time for the food industry to clean up its act and not advertise junk food to young children”. He added “just by banning ads for fast foods, one study says we could decrease obesity and overweight by 17%.” The AAP urges Congress and the Federal Trade Commission to impose restrictions on the length and content of TV ads which contribute to total sales of $110 billion annually by quick service restaurants.
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Commentary Pfizer Suspends Sales of Roxarsone | Jun 24, 2011 |
This week Pfizer Poultry Health announced suspension of the sale of their 3-Nitro® brand of roxarsone (3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid) in response to recent concerns raised by FDA. The compound has been used extensively by the broiler industry worldwide for 60 years as an aid in suppressing coccidiosis especially during the starter period. The product has been marketed in the U.S. by Alpharma which was recently acquired by Pfizer. It is stressed that the levels detected in liver tissue do not represent any risk to consumers.
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National Organic Program Commissions a Study | May 30, 2011 |
The National Organic Program has commissioned a study entitled “Economic Impact Analysis on Proposed Regulations for Living Conditions for Organic Poultry”, to be funded by the USDA.
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Wastage and Loss of Food | May 27, 2011 |
Previous commentaries have posed the questioned of how farmers will be able to supply the needs of a growing world population. Currently 1 million people concentrated in less developed countries in Africa and Asia are severely malnourished to the point of starvation. An additional 2.6 billion will have to be fed by the middle of this century.
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Is Speculation Responsible for the High Corn Price? | May 25, 2011 |
Two recent publications throw some light on the unprecedented escalation in the prices of corn and other agriculture commodities. Legally sanctioned speculation may well be a contributing factor.
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Are We Communicating With Our Customers? | May 19, 2011 |
In a series of presentations at the annual convention of the United Fresh Produce Association held in New Orleans LA., speakers emphasized the need for this segment of agriculture to communicate with consumers through social networks, the established media and by educating the staff of supermarkets and restaurant personnel.
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Food Safety in China | May 15, 2011 |
An article published in the New York Times on May 7th by Sharon LaFraniere on the dismally poor state of food safety in the People’s Republic of China should give us cause to reflect on our own regulatory system. Increasing scrutiny by Federal agencies, including the FDA and USDA, usually result in protests and lobbying by organizations representing intensive livestock and food producers. A consideration of the alternatives, as witnessed in Asia and on occasions in the EU, justifies the intent of the Food Modernization and Safety Act and the FDA Final Rule on Prevention of Salmonella in Eggs.
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Cellulosic Ethanol Industry Receiving Unjustified Federal Support | May 11, 2011 |
The program of producing ethanol from cellulosic biomass and waste is in disarray and represents an immense expenditure of public funds with negligible production.
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Will Our Crop Yields Continue into the Future? | May 11, 2011 |
An editorial in the May 5th New York Times presents an alarming statistic concerning the future productivity of our prime farm land.
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Farm Intrusion is Criminal Trespass | May 3, 2011 |
There has been considerable opposition to legislation proposed in the State of Iowa to criminalize intrusion into intensive animal production facilities by either subterfuge or physical entry for purposes of documenting alleged deviations from acceptable welfare standards.
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Reinventing the Wheel? | May 2, 2011 |
In a press release by the USDA, it was announced that the ARS Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit located in Fayetteville AR is working on yeast extracts which could serve as an alternative to antibiotics. Researchers are currently using quail as a model since the cost of working with turkeys appears prohibitive in relation to the budget assigned to the study.
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