September is National Food Safety Education Month. So, should we don our party hats?

I think not.

Let’s look at some recent news events:

• A woman is fighting for her life in Las Vegas. Linda Rivera was infected with E. coli after eating contaminated Nestle Cookie Dough, which was later recalled.
• Cantaloupes from a Florida distributor tested positive for salmonella on Aug. 21 and have been recalled.
• Jumbo green onions from several distributors were recalled Aug. 12. They, too, tested positive for salmonella.
• The romaine recall we told you about on July 26 continues. Salinas, Calif.-based Tanimura & Antle has expanded it to cover all 50 states.
• Cilantro from a Texas distributor joined the salmonella-infection club on July 28. The product originated in Mexico.

If there was ever a time for a national overhaul of our food-safety systems, it’s now.

True, the House of Representatives has passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act (HR 2749), but there were unresolved issues regarding organic producers and access to local food. OrganicAuthority Publisher Laura Klein has grave concerns about this bill.

Do you worry about the safety of our country’s food supply? Please let us know how recent events have changed your buying habits.

Photo courtesy of the CDC