Food for Thought

The food industry is responsible for producing safe food.  Government agencies are responsible for setting food safety standards, conducting inspections, ensuring that standards are met, and maintaining a strong enforcement program to deal with those who do not comply with the regulations.  Consumers are concerned and want more information about the foods they are putting in their bodies. In many other countries the food enforcement laws are stronger than in the U.S.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), was signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011 enables the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to better protect public health by strengthening the food safety system. It allows FDA to focus more on preventing food safety issues, rather than reacting to problems after they occur.  The after math of food issues can be detrimental to ones life.

In my opinion, even though our government is trying they aren't trying hard enough.  When researching food labeling I learned that our government does not have high standards when it comes to food laws.  As I read in the “The National Law Review” the FDA issued a final guidance outlining its recommendations to food companies.  In 1992, the FDA states their position on food labeling, basically that food derived from genetically engineered plants is not any different than food from non-genetically engineered plant.  They state that they do not present any differences or any safety concerns. In 2001, the government created a draft of guidance for genetically engineered labeling.  Fourteen years later, think about where we are  today.

After reading “Yes for Universal Health Care in United States” I agree with Yara Ramirez, that everyone should have access to the healthcare they need.  As defined by the World Health Organization, Universal Healthcare is “Ensuring that all people can use the pro-motive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective, while also ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship.”  These preventative services play an important role in keeping America Healthy.  A change this big will improve our nation in so many ways.  Imagine a elementary school that has a nurse on site that cares for the students.  Colds would spread less due to the children receiving care on site at the school.  Children would not miss school due to a doctors appointment. This will enhance healthy living and be the best possible learning environment for a child.  

Mark Zuckerberg has worked to create a private school that brings education and healthcare together.  While this is a great idea I believe this type of partnership would occur more often is we had Universal Healthcare.  Building incentives for healthy living will also help everyone understand the importance of healthy lifestyle.  I see Universal Healthcare as way to work and grow together as a healthy community.