Weber Farms Newsletter - January 2007, Issue #3

January, 2007 - ISSUE #3

E.COLI - What can we do to protect ourselves?
Everyone has heard about the E.Coli scares - first it was spinach - then it was scallions at Taco Bell. One lady interviewed said " I'm going to stay away from taco bell for a month until this thing goes away".

Is that going to fix the issue? It seems that in both cases, the produce came from... you guessed it...California. So, Taco Bells in New York, Pennsylvania and other Eastern States are getting the produce from growers in California? What is wrong with this picture?

In the heat of the Taco Bell incident, Taco Bell's president reassured the public that he would "support the creation of a coalition of food suppliers, competitors, government and other experts to explore ways to safeguard the food-supply chain and public health." - In the same article, mention was made of another E.coli outbreak in Cedar Falls, Iowa and southern Minnesota at Taco john franchises. Read entire article here

What do we do to protect ourselves?
Be more diligent in pursuing healty food for yourself and your family.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control):
"What can be done to prevent the infection?

Cattle are the principal source of E. coli O157 infection; they carry E. coli O157 in their intestines. Changes in the preparation of animals for slaughter and in slaughter and processing methods could decrease the contamination of carcasses with E. coli O157 and the subsequent contamination of meat. Testing ground beef for E. coli O157 and withholding it from the market until the test is negative, as many meat producers began doing in 2002, is probably partly responsible for the subsequent decrease in illnesses.

Cattle manure is an important source of E. coli O157. Manure can contaminate the environment, including streams that flow through produce fields and are used for irrigation, pesticide application, or washing. Collaborative efforts are needed to decrease environmental contamination and improve the safety of produce.

- Cook at home and don't eat out.
Did you know that the mandated inspections of the food industry, from farm inspections, slaughterhouse..oops!, I mean processing plant inspections, to the restaurant inspections are not being performed routinely by the USDA, due to the lack of funding and man-power?
- Buy produce that is locally grown.
You not only infuse money into the local economy, but you can get to know the farmer that raises the produce. Ask him about his family, ask him how he grows his crops, what he uses for fertilizer, how he manages pests. You will get fresh produce from someone you can trust, and help him make a living while he helps you get healthy, because the fresh-picked produce is full of nutrients! The produce bought at the supermarket may be shipped 1,000's of miles (from California) in refrigerated trucks and be days old, and picked before vine ripening - grown by a company that wants a profit - a company you know nothing about.
Find a farm coop in your area.
You can be part of a group of families that not only eat better, but also contribute to the local economy and allow a local farmer to take the time and nurture required to bring you healthful foods, free of insecticides and chemical fertilizers.

Make a statement today against big Agri-business. Find a local farmer that grows things naturally, and support him by buying produce from him.
Some have greenhouse operations that can provide produce year-round, so look around.

Where do I find such farmers?
Check the local extension office for a list of farms in the area.
Call them and see what they do and how they do it. Ask for a tour.
If you're not in the Northern KY area, email us and we can probably find you a farm coop, search google for farm coop, or for "CSA" (Community Supported Agriculture) - there are many sites that have lists broken down by state, or if you live in the Greater Cincinnati area, email us and we can put you on our list for this year. Make sure that the farmer grows his produce naturally, that is, no chemical fertilizers, no pesticides.

Unfortunately, from the great beginnings of the USDA, they have fallen short of their original intent, and have become the political ally of the huge "Agri-businesses" and industrialized super-farms. Not sure I'm telling the truth? Read the article this month in the right sidebar about the USDA approving for human consumption the Genetically Modified (GM) rice that is contaminated. Read the story here. better yet, Read what the Center for Food Safety reports here. Bayer asked for approval so they don't get slapped with class action suits! They now allow the use of genetically altered produce, which Europe refuses to accept, but we accept without blinking an eye. It's time we stood up for our health and for our families...

Wishing you a Happy, Health 2007,
PWeber
Weber Farms