Raids!

A coordinated raid by immigration agents on meat packing plants is in the news. I will be anxious to see what Agriculture Secretary Johanns says about this federal enforcement. We don't need headline grabbing raids until President Bush signs comprehensive immigration reform. Then let the grandstanding begin.

More headlines

The full court press on the issue of food safety continues. One article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, speaks of various new industry approaches to resolving the food safety issue and the FDA's previous attempt to "nag" the industry into action.

Another story from the Canadian Broadcasting Company talks about the long journey from field to processing plant to restaurant for commodities like green onions and the potential perils along the way. The hot lights of the press beg the question about who is best to be the industry's "face" in media interviews. Jim Gorny may be the most likely candidate considering his credentials, but perhaps Tom Stenzel needs to elevate his role in crisis management.

National promotion order needed

You would never know it by the actions of Taco Bell, but there is still no confirmation that green onions are the source of the E. coli outbreak that has sickened about more than 60 people in four states. In fact, a company spokesman told USA Today that green onions won't be reintroduced on their menu. This points to the cumulative effective of food borne illness outbreaks. More than ever, I think these recurring food safety problems linked to fresh produce - whether confirmed or not - point to the need for an ongoing national promotion order for fresh produce. The industry needs to take ownership of the messages given to consumers and provide them with confidence in production practices.