Articles tagged with: USDA
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization specializing in research and advocacy related to public health and the environment, has released its 2011 updated “Dirty Dozen” list of the 12 fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides. Topping this year’s list? Apples. This begs the question, “Can eating an apple a day really keep the doctor away?”
The answer may lie in where you get your apples.
Although this topic is far from new, there have been startling developments in the debate regarding genetically modified food (GMOs, a.k.a. genetically engineered or GE), specifically with the recent ratification of GE alfalfa seeds produced by Monsanto. Here are some links to help our readers follow the story so that you can make a more informed decision on the matter.
Members of the sustainable food movement are furious and, frankly, we have a right to be. Last month’sdecision by the USDA to fully deregulate GE alfalfa isn’t just a minor skirmish in a long and exhausting battle. It threatens the existence of organic farming and organic food, and flies in the face of USDA’s mandate from Congress under the Organic Foods Production Act to promote and preserve organic agriculture.
The government’s newest composition comes from a 13-member panel of nutrition and health experts known as the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). This elite group drives the direction and content for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, whose 2010 version is expected to arrive later this year.
Articles on the BP Oilspill, fast food marketing, and the importance of salt in our lives, among a range of other issues involving the USDA and small farms.
Another great collection of fun and interesting links on developments in the food and farming world, for you to enjoy this weekend.
Corporate and governmental blunders might be humerous in some instances, but this week’s roundup from Lisa puts such mistakes in a frightening context. From industrial chemicals to the growth of superweeds, corporate and governmental irresponsibility seems pervasive. Let’s hope things get better soon.
This week’s link roundup is a little light, but that balances out the double-posting days we’ve had. Going forward we will by syndicating more of these types of articles as well.
The USDA and Department of …
The American government has a long and proud history of playing into the hands of various large interests, whether it be the railroads, the pharmaceutical companies, the automakers, or Big Ag. Despite its pledge to uphold the rights of the American people, it tends to spend more of its time and effort upholding the right of lobbyists to fleece the American people of their wealth and, in the case of the food companies, their health.
