Tufekci: Regulation why food-borne illness isn’t more common

Lax practices at a Boar’s Head plant show why regulation and inspection are necessary for the food industry.

By Zeynep Tufekci / The New York Times

“How could this happen?” is a natural question to ask after hearing that nine people are dead and dozens have fallen ill from eating deli meats tainted with listeria, a hardy, deadly bacterium that can survive refrigeration and freezing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that this is certainly an undercount.

But amid the tragedy, Americans should also pause to ask, “How does this not happen all the time?”

The sobering Department of Agriculture inspection reports from a Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Va., make it clear that the failures are inexcusable. There are repeated citations for noncompliance with crucial rules like avoiding dripping or standing water (which can facilitate listeria growth). But the same inspection reports should also remind us of the extensive efforts — comprehensive regulations and diligent inspectors — to ensure that such failures are scandals rather than everyday events.

The USDA inspectors duly noted that plastic or tarp was covering pipes; signs of a temporary fix to a leak. They noted small pieces of meat residue on food contact surfaces, even if those pieces were as small as one-fifth of an inch long. They noted pooled blood on the plant floor and rancid smells in coolers. They noted if any product was unlabeled. They noted “black moldlike substances” ranging from as small as a pinhead to the size of a quarter on walls. They noted when workers were on their phones while operating equipment. And so on.

It’s easy for companies to complain about excessive regulation, but consumers shouldn’t forget how hard it is to keep mass-produced food safe. Your food is kept safe quietly, day after day, because of extensive regulations born of experience and science. Eagle-eyed inspectors who notice even the tiniest bit of misplaced raw meat can save lives.

As this tragic listeria outbreak reminds us, regulations don’t work without accountability. When companies shirk their responsibilities, swift consequences should kick in, before someone dies or falls ill. Reports by the USDA so far show there were no enforcement actions against Boar’s Head in the past year, despite these reports. It is unclear what penalties, if any, the company will face. Whatever they are, one can only hope they will deter other failures.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times, c.2024.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Nov. 4

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Holding confidence in process, results of election

Election officials have worked to make the process transparent to remove doubts about its integrity.

Vote 2024 logo with red and blue text for US presidential election. Election sticker, badge, label, poster, banner, greeting card. Stars and USA flag red strips Vector illustration.
Editorial: A recap of Herald Editorial Board endorsements

The editorial board recommends the following candidates and votes on measures on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Comment: Whole world is watching, anxious over U.S. election

As much as events will turn on the outcome, any chaos over the results could make things even worse.

Krugman: What to make of a weak jobs report

Rather than a sign of recession, it may show the economy’s getting the soft landing that many hoped for.

Gina Forbush, of Gig Harbor, Wash., reacting to news that striking Boeing machinists had rejected a tentative labor contract, at the IAM 751 Union Hall in Seattle on Oct. 23, 2024. Boeing’s largest union rejected a tentative labor contract on Wednesday by a wide margin, extending a damaging strike and adding to the mounting financial problems facing the company, which hours earlier had reported a $6.1 billion loss. (M. Scott Brauer/The New York Times)
Comment: Why didn’t shareholders rein in Boeing mismanagement?

Shareholders could have corrected some of the company’s errors, but buybacks kept them mollified.

Eco-nomics: Asheville’s tragedy a lesson in climate resilience

Unprepared for Helene’s deluge, it faces a daunting bill to rebuild. It’s reason to prepare for disaster.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Nov. 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Election confidence: System confirming voters’ moves

Our daughter moved out of state a few months ago and shortly… Continue reading

Superior Court Judge: Anderson will restore fairness to court

The time has come for us to reject the status quo within… Continue reading

Vote in best interests of forestlands and climate

I recognize and value The Herald Editorial Board’s commitment to helping support… Continue reading

It’s every citizen’s duty to vote

Well patriots, it’s that time again! Time to select the men and… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.