Food Safety in the U.S.

An In-depth Look

Peanut Butter Causes

Death(s)?

• In 2009 nine people died due to salmonella outbreak in peanut butter products.

• At least 714 Americans were sick due to consuming 3,913 different products containing peanuts there were infected.

Food for Thought…

Online Audience Analysis

99% of you feel food safety is important to you

77% of you were not aware of what dioxins are

77% of you believe that pesticides should not be used in the growth and/or production of fruits and vegetables

Today we will discuss….

The issue of food safety in the United States

Why it is a growing issue

Steps to help solve the problem

The Issue of Food Safety

Annually

48 Million Gastrointestinal Issues

128,000 hospitalizations

3,000 deaths

According to the CDC-

Roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick annually due to food borne diseases.

Negative Consequences

3 Long-term effects of food poisoning related to food safety are “kidney failure, chronic arthritis, and brain and nerve damage.”

The use of pesticides in food can affect the nervous system, irritate the skin or eyes and hormonal issues.

Major Causes

Market failures

Policies not being created and/or enforced

Inability to reform current food safety laws and regulations to be up to standards

Bacteria

Viruses

Parasites

Allergens

Molds

Toxins and/ or Contaminants

Pesticides

Possible Solutions…

Advocate awareness and educational information programs

Review, reform and implement government laws and regulations regarding food safety

Mike Johanns

“Food Safety Involves

Everybody in the Food

Chain”