by Bob Strong

Just in case you missed the recent meat recall, here’s a recap: A meat processor in Columbus, Nebraska, recalled 497,000 pounds of beef feared to be infected with e. coli that was distributed to Sam’s Club stores in 10 states. The meat could have been distributed in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wisconsin. some of the meat could have been sold to other retailers.The recent recall of hamburger is just another shot in the foot to the cattle industry.

Is it Necessary? No. Could it be prevented? Yes. After years of testing, it is proven that irradiation kills pathogens in ground meat. Then why can’t we prevent it? Well, now that gets to be a long story.

The consumer can’t seem to see the difference between irradiated and non-irradiated hamburger. Therefore, they are not willing to pay more for this added protection. In order to convince consumers of the value of irradiation, education is needed.

The ‘Henny Pennies’ of the world are always ready to be against anything that is different. What they don’t know is legendary, yet they will accept any rumor as truth if someone passes it long. They take it as gospel. Al Capp, the cartoonist who produced Little Abner, put it this way in his cartoon years ago. “Any red blooded American boy should believe everything he reads in the newspaper.”

According to an old saying ‘experience is the best teacher and the only way a fool can learn,’ this may be true but it’s a slow and time consuming process.

Much money and effort has been spent already but obviously much more is needed.
Education is an expensive and also a time consuming process, but with the speed and methods of mass communication, it can be done.

Yes, it will have costs involved, but it is the premium being paid for the insurance in the long haul -- the prevention of illnesses and market fluctuations. ©