Food Safety : Setting a New Standard

Source : http://www.usrecallnews.com/

E. coli outbreak in Germany? No..wait..in E.U.R.O.P.E? Yes, that's shocking news was all I heard earlier this week on the headlines. 1600 people across the European countries have been infected with a suspected new toxic strain of E. coli. And guess what, the "mastermind" behind the outbreak was playing around in the fresh produces such as tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces. Whew, even consuming vegetables can be a very daunting experience now. Besides the E. coli outbreak, on almost the same time, some commercial beverages products in Taiwan have been confirmed tainted by a dangerous plasticizers, -six different chemicals including DEHP (*). Haiyyaa...什么可能？

It's only the beginning, though. For the second case, after being investigated, another electrifying news surfaced. "The government response also appears to have come too late for vendors at Shihlin Night Market, one of the Taipei’s biggest tourist attractions, who report that business has dropped off after some of the market’s drinks and shaved ice deserts tested positive for plasticizers". EeeEEEhh??? Shaved ice? 甘蔗汁? *Sigh. Even night market, the most iconic spot in Taiwan has been transformed into an intimidating place.

Source : http://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/2206

In my opinion, although the outbreak case's cause's source still blurry in the eyes of the scientists, something needs to be reviewed. The on farm's GAP and regulation of the supporting factors around the farm itself, play an important roles. For example, cleaning the raw produces before they go to market, using the properly processed organic fertilizers to the plants, workers' hygiene and isolating the animals/cattle (and its drops/manures) from the farm and irrigation water. As for the second case, it's simply related to the awareness of the manufacturer and food/beverages producers to use the safe ingredients in their products. Instead of using the cheap but dangerous substances like DEHP, they should consider the health of the consumers with choosing the not-so-cheap yet hearty ones like palm oil or citrus fruits' extracts. Simple matters which undoubtedly very difficult to be implemented in the society. [BP] 

Personal notes : Clouding agents are chemicals that usually use in juices or jams to increase the color density of products thus the products can look more appealing.