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Posted: May 28th, 2012 - 9:59am Source: Denver Post Mel Knight, Registered Environmental Health Specialist andpresident of the National Environmental Health Association, aDenver-based organization., writes in this on-line op-ed thatmodern environmental health and protection laws are required to bebased on sound science. Food codes must demonstrate evidence oftheir ability to be protective of the public's health and theenvironment. Besides laws and codes, self-regulation is also anessential component to public protection, but is generally drivenby liability avoidance. In the case of the Colorado listeriaoutbreak, a contracted third-party auditor gave the produce shippera positive 96 percent score just before contaminated melons wereshipped. With a concern for conflict of interest, truly neutralaudits by parties with the authority to require corrective actionsare also required, and these functions are best fulfilled bygovernmental agencies. The regulatory process obviously imposes costs on the foodindustry. These costs for the food industry may be in the form offees or fines, as well as the costs associated with meetingrequirements such as training or equipment. In California,environmental health programs frequently recover their programcosts by way of permit fees paid by the food operator rather thantaxation of the general public. While these fees can be substantialsums, they are a miniscule portion of the cost of running a retailfood establishment. The cost of a fully implemented retail foodsafety regulatory program adds, on average, only a fraction of onecent per consumer meal. A transition from taxation to fee supportappears to be a logical direction for the future funding of foodsafety programs. While no one enjoys extra costs and scrutiny, it has been myexperience that most responsible businesses accept the need forregulatory programs. In California, the Buca di Beppo restaurantchain prominently displays a neon sign that proclaims,"INSPECTED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT." Many businesseswant customers assured that they are operating in compliance withgood practices. Environmental health and protection continues to be valued by thegeneral public. Nationwide surveys by Hart Research Associates andPublic Opinion Strategies confirm high levels of public concern forfood security and near universal support for strong food safetyregulation. The President's 2013 budget is seeking a 17 percentincrease for FDA's FY 2013 budget. This increase would come mainlyfrom increased industry fees, which is a practical model forsustaining food safety programs. However, it is anticipated thatthe fee proposal will face congressional opposition. The continuing poor economy has understandably raised concernsabout costs, but Georgetown University's Produce Safety Projectreports that foodborne illness has a public cost in the U.S. of$152 billion each year. Less than a penny per meal for food safetywould seem to produce an excellent return on investment. Can wereally afford to not invest in food safety programs when theupfront cost is less than the price foodborne illness is costingthe American public? Urge your elected officials to support foodsafety initiatives and funding. I am an expert from completebathroomsets.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Bamboo Kitchen Accessories , Bamboo Jewelry Box Manufacturer, Stainless Steel Bathroom Sets,and more.
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