We all heard about the Chinese FDA-head-equivalent getting executed the other day, which made me think about how markets (i.e. recalls and consumer upset) can stimulate change less directly, but perhaps more persuasively, than can intergovernmental demands for regulation (cf., e.g., the U.S.'s perpetual but hopeless entreaties for China to crack down on pirating and counterfeiting). It shocked me, and also struck me (sadly) as perhaps inevitable, perhaps the only way for China to express the desperation with which it depends on international markets' approval of its exports and (just as sadly) perhaps the only way to make a point internally about where capitalism/greed/corruption will and will not be supported/tolerated/condemned (are they just points along a continuum?). A heavy day.
Then Michael Krasny was talking about the Farm Bill this morning (you can download the show here), and one guy on the phone had a clever idea for reconfiguring the food stamp program that had the end goal of a healthier public diet but was less about outright subsidies of the good stuff and more about increasing market demand for it, which he called a "win-win" proposal. Again, the velvet glove approach. The Farm Bill is up for renewal in September.
It made me think again about getting in touch with my C0ngresspeople, to see about requiring food origin labeling. (If you want to do the same, let me know and I'll e-mail you my letter.) Again, with the idea of letting the market dictate how quality and cost really do shake out, rather than assuming or attempting to regulate the race to the bottom that appears to be happening around the world (not least within the U.S.). And then I read about this poll, that said Americans overwhelmingly support stricter food labeling laws, including labeling of origin. (I don't know how skewed the study was or anything, but the article says one of the authors of the poll works at Consumer Reports, which seems rather impartial.)
The USDA is reopening public comment to its Food Labeling measure until August 20.
Here is how to make comments:
Details of the comment period reopening will be published in the June 20 issue of the Federal Register. Comments are due August 20 and should be submitted online at www.regulations.gov. Additional means of comment submission are via e-mail to cool@usda.gov; by mail to Country of Origin Labeling Program, Room 2607-S, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0254, Washington, DC 2025-0254; or by fax to (202) 720 – 1112.
The USDA talks about country of origin labeling (COOL) here. The USDA has a really interesting web site, actually, with links to lots of studies and articles! Makes me feel like it's not all politics. Am I kidding myself?
For instance, Here's an economic review of food labeling, which notes that it may not be the most effective of options. But it is one that would preserve the illusion of choice. The article also expresses concern that the poorest would end up with the riskiest food, since they are less able to afford product that is carefully monitored. That's not cool. (Although maybe that's where subsidies or food stamps WOULD kick in.) Ultimately, the article, while pointing out issues to consider, doesn't give any recommendation at all. Lame. But an interesting read.
I suppose we could let market forces take effect even with labeling itself, rather than require it. If Americans care so very much about knowing where their food comes from, presumably they will reward growers and manufacturers who spend the extra care and money to track and label - and the labeling will take care of itself. So maybe we could write to our favorite food producers, as well as our government. I'll draft that letter next.
I like it. I'd love to know what all of those chemicals in my food come from too. I am also hoping the Food Bill takes into consideration the organic farmers, small farmers and food banks -- it is a bill that feeds our nation.
Posted by: kelli | July 12, 2007 at 08:12 AM