Don’t be alarmed

Published 6:31 am Thursday, April 3, 2008

By Staff
To the editor:
In light of the recent Hallmark/Westland beef recall, I want to remind consumers that the safety of Michigan's food supply -from farm to fork – is paramount and continues to be the Michigan Department of Agriculture's (MDA) top priority. This is a serious responsibility in today's global marketplace where, if we're not vigilant, problems of every type can impact our food -whether it was produced here or on the other side of the world.
MDA, as well as our local and federal partners, have clear roles in assuring consumers that their food and the places they eat are safe.
While there are numerous challenges in today's dynamic global food supply chain, officials at all levels of government – local, state, and federal – strive every day to create a seamless food safety system to protect the public.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for inspecting meat slaughter and processing facilities in Michigan.
Currently, there are approximately 220 USDA-inspected federal slaughter and processing plants in the state. MDA is charged with inspecting approximately 20,000 diversified food establishments, such as grocery stores, grain mills, fruit and vegetable processing plants, water bottlers and more. MDA also works closely with local health departments who inspect more than 40,000 restaurants and cafeterias statewide.
On a daily basis, local and state food inspectors assure the safety of the food supply by conducting inspections, collecting samples and testing food to detect hazards, responding to consumer complaints, enforcing food standards and labeling, removing unwholesome food from commerce, responding to recalls, food emergencies and disasters, licensing facilities, and providing food export certification.
Everyone has a role in assuring that safety – whether it's a farmer, a restaurant manager, a food inspector, or processing plant operator.
The bottom line is Michigan consumers expect that the food they purchase and eat is safe; and MDA will continue to be vigilant in protecting the state's food supply.
Michigan Department of Agriculture