Author Topic: Is Our Food Safe?  (Read 75133 times)

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Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #60 on: January 21, 2006, 08:46:00 PM »
The U.S. has high standards for food? Well...it does for Japanese beef. But, even then it can't deliver.

Just six weeks after lifting a two-year ban on U.S. beef products, Japan closed its borders again Friday after inspectors there discovered pieces of backbone in a veal shipment.

Although such meat products are considered safe for Americans, Japan has forbidden their import because of concerns about mad cow disease.   Chron

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Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #61 on: January 25, 2006, 09:27:00 PM »
US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns was cited as announcing he was sending a team of experts to Japan, hours after the Japanese government announced that banned spinal material had been found in a consignment of US beef at Tokyo airport, and that under US regulations, the backbone, or vertebral column, that was exported to Japan is "not a specified risk material because it was in beef under 30 months," adding, "However, our agreement with Japan is to export beef with no vertebral column and we have failed to meet the terms of that agreement. While this is not a food safety issue, this is an unacceptable failure on our part to meet the requirements of our agreement with Japan. We take this matter seriously, recognizing the importance of our beef export market, and we are acting swiftly and firmly."

In other words for the American consumer it is safe meat, but for the Japanese, they won't buy it. Time will certainly tell us who is wiser. The beef market to Japan is 1.4 Billion dollars. You would think that the U.S. would test all cattle as do the Japanese. Why not for 1.4 billion dollars? There must be a good reason!


  statesman.com

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Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #62 on: January 25, 2006, 10:41:00 PM »
"Specified risk material"?  Material that is more likely to contain BSE prions, or at least more of them. Where is the large mass of BSE prions? In the brain. So, if you have a cow under age 30 months, the brain is no longer "specified risk material".  :) Go ahead and eat all the cow brains you want. It is very safe to do so according to the U.S.D.A.

Japan doesn't buy it. While they believe it is safer to eat 20 month old beef, they still will not buy brains. Seems like they are using their brains and want to keep them healthy. Well...their efforts are surely better than Americans, but they too will find that even young cows will transfer BSE.  It is just a matter of time.....

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Liane H

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #63 on: January 26, 2006, 02:15:00 AM »
Brother Richard:

Made a good point. They are protecting Japan better than they are protecting Americans.

Sooner or later it will all come to a head with an outbreak like in England, then so many will know that they had been misled.

The games people play.

Liane, the Zoo Mama  

Liane, the Zoo Mama
Romans 8:19   For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #64 on: January 29, 2006, 07:03:00 PM »
Japan does not appear to be afraid of finding BSE in their cattle. They test each one. And...they now are paying for testing of all suspected CJD deaths. They want to know the truth about this disease and its relationship to their food supply. Sadly, this is not the case in the U.S. TMC Net
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Bill Wennell

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #65 on: February 14, 2006, 04:11:00 AM »
Do we know what we are eating? Or, are we trusting the companies that supply us our food?

yahoo

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Bill Wennell
USDA Meat & Poultry Inspector
BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

[This message has been edited by Richard Myers (edited 03-23-2006).]

Bill Wennell<BR>Medical-missionary Brazil<BR>BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #66 on: March 22, 2006, 07:44:00 PM »
Two years ago a company named Creekstone Farms wanted to begin testing each of its cattle for BSE. The USDA refused to allow this and has continued to refuse this request. Here is a news release from two years ago.

Date: April 6, 2004

OCM Supports Effort by Creekstone Farms
to Restore Japanese Markets

Lincoln, NE ~ The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) said today it fully supports Creekstone Farms’ effort to restore its market access to Japan by testing 100% of the cattle the company slaughters for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Japanese exports are a vital part of the company’s business.

In February, Creekstone Farms announced that it intended to institute a 100% testing protocol, and petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accordingly. USDA initially responded saying Creekstone did not have "the legal right to market" product as originating from cattle that have been privately tested and threatened criminal prosecution under the 1913 Virus Serum Toxin Act if Creekstone moved forward with its plan. Last week a USDA spokesman said the agency was still "looking at" Creekstone’s proposal.

Creekstone’s Chief Operating Officer Bill Fielding said the loss of the Japanese export market translates to a per head loss of $200, while total test costs on a per head basis would be $20. Test results are available in four hours. The move would make Creekstone Farms the first U.S. meat packer to offer a voluntary testing program. Tyson, Excel, Swift and National have resisted 100% testing.

Japan’s government implemented a 100% testing program of all domestic animals slaughtered for human consumption last year, and banned imports of U.S. beef in late December of 2003 when a Canadian Holstein cow located in Washington State was diagnosed with the brain wasting disease. The Japanese remain insistent that the U.S. implement an equally stringent surveillance program for any animals destined for Japan. On April 2, Japanese officials rebuffed a proposal from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman to name an international panel to "mitigate" the Japanese ban on U.S. beef saying the proposal was a departure from previous discussions.

"OCM completely supports Creekstone Farms in its effort to regain its Japanese beef business,” said Fred Stokes, OCM president. “Creekstone has developed a testing protocol that Japan accepts and could begin exporting immediately but for the roadblocks imposed by USDA. Here’s an independent company, which employs 700 workers and is a market outlet for cattle producers, which may be forced into failure by this absurd USDA position. One the one hand, USDA is hell-bent on opening the floodgates to beef from Canada and, in this action, slams shut the door to our best beef market. The Japanese clearly are not going to be bullied into submission. They want 100 percent testing and Creekstone is willing to provide it. Whatever happened to the notion that the customer was always right?” asked Stokes.

“USDA needs to quit carrying water for the big packers who want to force Japan to accept beef the way they offer it and do the right thing here. They need to approve Creekstone’s plan for testing, give them their export permits and allow the company to remain in business.”

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Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #67 on: March 22, 2006, 07:52:00 PM »
"Creekstone Farms believes it is vital to U.S. trade with Japan and other countries and the economic future of America's beef exporters to have the freedom to test for BSE, which will provide an added layer of confidence for U.S. beef customers worldwide."

The company wants to test all the cattle it processes in its Kansas plant for BSE.

After two years of waiting with no action from the USDA, Creekstone Farms will file a lawsuit against USDA tomorrow.

The pressure is great to not test all cattle since the disease will be found in the cattle.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Bill Wennell

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #68 on: March 23, 2006, 03:32:00 AM »
There is only one reason I can think of that the USDA has been denying this companies right to test all the cattle slaughtered for the Japanese market - they are afraid that with testing that many cattle, more BSE will show up.

In the last 3 years, the USDA has tested about 600,000 head of cattle. An impressive number for only 3 (4 in my book) positives. But when you consider that in that same time frame 105,000,000 have been slaughtered the percentage tested is only .06%, no wonder we only have 3 positives!

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Bill Wennell
USDA Meat & Poultry Inspector
BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

[This message has been edited by Bill Wennell (edited 03-23-2006).]

Bill Wennell<BR>Medical-missionary Brazil<BR>BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #69 on: March 23, 2006, 09:10:00 AM »
Brother Bill, it is very sad that the result of this negligence will be many, many infected people. They are eating the infected cows today. How many we do not know. No one can make an intelligent decision based on what we know to be the facts and say that no mad cow slipped through such a loose net.

The fact of the matter is that we are talking about huge losses in the industry because of this disease. It is sad, but human health ought not be put at risk as is being done.

This story regarding Creekstone Farms ought to wake up sleeping Americans as to the danger out there. We have posted it on our homepage in an effort to help spread the word. Those who see this and continue eating beef and feeding it to their children are placing themselves at great risk, and doing so knowingly.

We take no pleasure in saying that in the not too distant future all may see what we can see now. We praise God that He sent us warning over one hundred years ago as to the nature of this most serious situation. It is very sad that the trumpet has not been sounded by the church.

I attended a very large health seminar not long ago put on by a group associated with our church and I did not hear one word spoken regarding this subject. It is most amazing to me how we can neglect the responsibility that is upon us at this time.

Thank you for placing your influence on the side of truth.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Bill Wennell

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #70 on: March 24, 2006, 06:44:00 AM »
Sorry you weren't able to make my seminar last week, I don't mind speaking out about the practices that decieve people into thinking their food supply is safe. While the USDA is good about some safety (cooking temp, refrigeration), when it comes to industry, they give in (labeling, recall requirements, arsenic in chickens, mad cow prevention is the biggest joke). I imagine someday I'll get fired, but someday soon Christ will come also, and that's more important!

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Bill Wennell
USDA Meat & Poultry Inspector
BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Bill Wennell<BR>Medical-missionary Brazil<BR>BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #71 on: March 24, 2006, 02:19:00 PM »
You are in a difficult situation with your work, but God has allowed you to be there for a reason. It is indeed a test for you and your character is growing as you stand on the Lord's side. There will be many who will be moved by your influence and it will begin for them a path that will lead to heaven.


Those care for their health and the health of their children will appreciate the truth and will make good Christians.  :) Keep up the good work.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Bill Wennell

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #72 on: March 29, 2006, 04:31:00 AM »
More on Creekstone Farms:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/22/ap/health/mainD8GGT1003.shtml

Relevant portions of the story:

"The department AND LARGER MEAT companies oppose comprehensive testing, saying it cannot assure food safety." (As if not testing does?)

"LARGER companies worry that Japanese buyers would insist on costly testing and that a suspect result might scare consumers away from eating beef." (What would positives do?)

"The U.S. has been testing around 1 percent of the 35 million head of cattle slaughtered each year..." (200,000 tests per year divided by 35 million head slaughtered per year = .006%, so let's just round it up to 1%)

And I can't find the article now but yesterday I read where the USDA will determine whether to lower testing after talking with Japan, but the way it was worded sounded like it was saying they would announce lowering the testing after talking with Japan. As is to say, we will get Japan to rebuy from us, then lower the amount of testing we do.

In another article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060329/hl_afp/healthjapanustrade_060329111726

"Unlike the United States, Japan screens every slaughtered cow for madcow disease, the brain-wasting illness formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy."

------------------
Bill Wennell
USDA Meat & Poultry Inspector
BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Bill Wennell<BR>Medical-missionary Brazil<BR>BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #73 on: April 04, 2006, 09:01:00 PM »
Politics in both the U.S. and Japan make the safety issue a lesser concern. Monday Japan reshuffled an expert panel on mad cow disease that advised the government on the safety of U.S. beef. According to Kyodo News agency, half the 12-member panel resigned. Those who resigned are thought to have favored a more cautious approach to resuming imports, Kyodo said. Cattle Network
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #74 on: April 04, 2006, 09:42:00 PM »
Now that we absolutely know that Mad Cows are bred and born in the USA, wouldn't you like to know that the meat you eat comes from a cow that tested negative for Mad Cow disease? What harm would it do for you to have this information? Politics is becoming more and more corrupt and will not let you have this information.

Here is what the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Monday regarding private testing of cows for BSE. "There's no scientific justification" for why Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, which owns a packing plant in Arkansas City, should test all its cattle for mad cow disease.

The federal government can't let an Arkansas City company test its cattle for mad cow disease because doing so would be bad for international trade. Wichita Eagle

Since this decision by this man will result in the death of many U.S. citizens and also citizens of other countries such as Japan, it would not be inappropriate to sentence him in accordance with the severity of his crime.

Willful negligence in such matters needs to be criminally punished. When it comes out that mad cows were indeed eaten by people and it did result in CJD, then saying I am sorry, will not do. Politicians and career bureaucrats need to be held responsible for such corruption.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Liane H

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #75 on: April 05, 2006, 03:29:00 AM »
I just find it incredible that a company cannot do what it wants for the better of people.

I think there already is a sickness in the minds of people that do not realize the magnitude of these things, or maybe they do and want to turn a blind eye to the whole thing.

Again when you have a President that is in the beef business you have to wonder if there is a conflict of interests here. I would bet you that every cow has been tested before he and those close to him eat it.

Liane, the Zoo Mama  

Liane, the Zoo Mama
Romans 8:19   For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #76 on: April 17, 2006, 07:32:00 PM »
The U.S. is pushing Japan to take cows that are not tested for BSE. They also tell us that cows under age 30 are safe. But Japan refuses to take cows over the age of 20 months. What if a cow turns up with BSE under age 30 months? Or how about under age 21 months? Can't happen? Will you take a chance with your children's lives?

Here is something that may interest a very few of us. "Japan is conducting tests on a 20-month-old steer suspected of having mad cow disease, a top government official said on Monday, and the case could have wide repercussions on Tokyo's beef trade policy if confirmed." Well, maybe it won't be confirmed this time. But, those who think that eating young cows is healthy will one day learn that it is not.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Bill Wennell

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #77 on: April 25, 2006, 05:15:00 AM »
Not only bad for us, but for those who make it as well!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060425 /ap_on_he_me/food_flavorings_illness;_ylt=An7Z.HCN9ieQPf0EMWr80hOs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3czJjNGZoBHNlYwM3NTE-

Meanwhile, the     Food and Drug Administration has allowed flavoring producers and sellers to decide which chemicals are safe, and California's occupational safety agency has delegated health examinations of flavoring workers to an industry-paid doctor.

"There is nothing to indicate that additional regulations are needed," Belsky added.

The difficulty of assessing workplace illness is further complicated by employees who fear reprisal for complaining about hazards and by physicians who lack the training to recognize bronchiolitis obliterans and other occupational threats.

About 70 U.S. companies are involved in the making and sales of flavorings, according to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturing Association, the largest trade group for the $3 billion-a-year industry.

The latest suit, filed in February, charges that the Flavor and Extract Manufacturing Association conspired with the other defendants to fraudulently conceal information about the health risks of butter flavoring.

------------------
Bill Wennell
USDA Meat & Poultry Inspector
BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

[This message has been edited by Bill Wennell (edited 04-25-2006).]

Bill Wennell<BR>Medical-missionary Brazil<BR>BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #78 on: May 13, 2006, 01:25:00 PM »
Japan continues to reject US beef. And they continue to test their own cows for BSE. They have now discovered another mad cow. The government has confirmed its 26th mad cow, this one in a 5-year-old Holstein. Meat inspectors in Hokkaido found on Thursday that a dairy cow tested positive for the disease.
News 24
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Is Our Food Safe?
« Reply #79 on: June 17, 2006, 10:11:00 PM »
Here is something we missed. Hard to imagine the world did not hear about it, but it is true. The USDA did declare an emergency in July of 2000 because of the discovery of "atypical TSEs) in sheep in the USA. Interesting that they were not home grown sheep like our homegrown mad cows that have "atypical TSEs".

Maybe there has been another emergency declared that we have not heard about?

*******************************************
USDA

Declaration of Emergency

Because of an Atypical Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Prion Disease) of Foreign Origin

A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) (prion disease) of foreign origin has been detected in the United States. It is different from TSE's previously diagnosed in the United States. The TSE was detected in the progeny of imported sheep. The imported sheep and their progeny are under quarantine in Vermont.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are degenerative fatal diseases that can affect livestock. TSE's are caused by similar, as yet uncharacterized, agents that usually produce spongiform changes in the
brain.

Post-mortem analysis has indicated positive results for an atypical TSE of foreign origin in four sheep in Vermont. Because of the potentially serious consequences of allowing the disease to spread to other livestock in the United States, it is necessary to seize and dispose of those flocks of sheep in Vermont that are affected with or exposed to the disease, and their germ plasm.

The existence of the atypical TSE of foreign origin represents a threat to U.S. livestock. It constitutes a real danger to the national economy and a potential serious burden on interstate and foreign commerce.

APHIS has insufficient funds to carry out the seizure and disposal of animals and germ plasm necessary to eliminate this disease risk. These funds would be used to compensate the owners of the animals and
germ plasm for their seizure and disposal in accordance with 21 U.S.C.
134a.

Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of September 25, 1981, as amended (7 U.S.C. 147b), I declare that there is
an emergency that threatens the livestock industry of this country and hereby authorize the transfer and use of such funds as may be necessary from appropriations or other funds available to agencies or
corporations of the United States Department of Agriculture to seize and dispose of animals that are affected with or exposed to this TSE, and their germplasm, in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 134a.

Dated: This declaration of emergency shall become effective July 14, 2000.
Dan Glickman,
Secretary of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 00-18368 Filed 7-19-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.