Eggs Not Us

While the attention is again focused on local egg farmers and the problems of the recall. We would like to remind you as SAFEWAY has posted on the sliding doors as you enter their stores - the recall does not refer to our jurisdiction. So from DC to North Carolina - we're unaffected. We accept for the continuing reports that seem to miss the bigger questions.

There are other questions that need to be asked. You might not remember this but PBS broadcasted a special about our region and pollution runoff. It's how our water supply and how we handle waste, industrial or otherwise, can affect our health. As we become more concerned about the weather, as hurricane Earl approaches and tropical storm Fiona passes water is in our future.

When SAFEWAY addressed the issue finally on their website they didn't just restrict their statement to their Lucerne brand eggs but extended to include all recalls. While the information still isn't on their front page but is pasted old school style on their front doors- it is available.

"One-half to two-thirds of American farmers already inoculate their flocks, according to industry estimates, and that number is likely to increase. While the new federal rules do not require vaccination, they do require testing for salmonella. If henhouses are found to be contaminated, then eggs must be tested. If eggs are tainted, then they would have to be broken and pasteurized, which would mean producers would get much less money for their eggs" - New York Times.(Business)

Poisoned Waters the PBS program is almost two (2) hours in length. It's difficult to view because it addresses our dirty little secret. To get fresh eggs the most efficient and most cost effective businesses get our hard earn income. In times of feast little cottage industries spring up and can challenge the stronghold of the larger businesses. In times of famine, like now, it becomes more and more difficult to be cost effective. Businesses suffer and so sometimes do we, the paying public.

"Low-cost vaccines that may help prevent the kind of salmonella outbreak that has led to the recall of more than a half-billion eggs haven't been given to nearly half the nation's egg-laying hens. The vaccines aren't required in the U.S., although in Great Britain, officials say vaccinations have given them the safest egg supply in Europe." - Associated Press (AP)

The program doesn't deal with any of the businesses affected by the recall nor are our comments specifically directed to the financial decisions made by Hillandale Farms of Iowa nor Wright County Egg.

This isn't an anti-SAFEWAY story. It's a story about processed foods and the dirty little secret that we don't like to admit. To get us the items we need to live someone has to do what we don't want to do. For meat, someone has to kill an animal. For vegetables, someone has to put their hands in manure. We don't like to think about it or talk about it. We certainly don't want to hear it. To provide us with the items we need costs someone money. Which we will gladly pay to get what we want. Men want cheap bargains and women want what they want (if our staff is any indication).

"...vaccinating hens and testing barns regularly for bacteria, has essentially wiped out salmonella on California farms, industry officials say. Yet only nine other states have enacted similar government-sponsored efforts. One reason ... California farmers contend, is cost. Injecting chickens and swabbing cages takes money — not a fortune, but enough to send egg distributors searching for lower-cost sources." - LA Times

We love the Los Angeles Times newspaper but even they don't always answer the most obvious question but for California residents they don't have to. Our question would be what are the other nine (9) states that have testing. Local governments and legislators could prevent the sale of these cheaper and more "risky" foods by making the sale of such product illegal to be sold in our areas. Matters of safety might stand the test of a legal challenge especially during these times of uncertainty.

"Many of the cheapest eggs are produced in the Midwest, where energy, farmland and feed cost less and where regulations are less onerous. 

As a result, Iowa egg operators can undercut the competition. Last month it cost Midwest farmers 53.5 cents to produce a dozen eggs, about 16% less than in California, according to Iowa State University's Egg Industry Center.  

Fullerton wholesaler Michael Sencer, whose company supplies food service firms and chains including Ralphs, Costco and Trader Joe's, bought inventory from Wright County Egg. His customers, he said, liked the low prices and ready supply.  

"It drives the demand for Iowa eggs here in California and everywhere," said Sencer, executive vice president of Hidden Villa Ranch. Those same customers are now scrambling. Wholesale egg prices have jumped 20% in California since the recall, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. One key reason: There are 7.5 million Midwest laying hens currently not producing eggs for the nation's breakfasts. But in the Golden State, there are only 19 million hens — enough to meet just 56% of California's demand." - LA Times

Consumer Reports as reported on local WUSA-9 TV in Washington says that the discount chains are considered the best place for bargains by consumers. If you bought your recalled eggs from COSTCO (and we know you didn't) you can always return them for some non-recalled eggs. We personally don't prefer Costco but only because all of us don't have access. We think we can do better than the retailer when it comes to bargains but we must admit. When it comes to food items we've been tempted by the low prices.

"The Food and Drug Administration decided not to mandate vaccination of hens — a precaution that would cost less than a penny per a dozen eggs." - NY Times (Business)

As the PBS program indicates eggs aren't the only problems in these times of financial scarcity that might affect our health and welfare We'll have to be careful and because our concerns will be both costs versus profit what we chose must be fully considered. It just might be a matter of life or death.

Flood Water

There are other questions that need to be asked. You might not remember this but PBS broadcast Poisoned Waters a special about our region south and pollution runoff. It's about our water supply and how we handle waste (industrial or otherwise). How that can affect our health. As we become more concerned about the weather, as hurricane Earl approaches and tropical storm Fiona passes, water is in our future. When Katrina hit the Louisiana leaving "water water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink." Like every major flood disaster the problems that result for the survivors and their ability to recover has much to do with finding fresh water supplies.

We're not trying to frighten you. We're trying to provide context, insight and we're also recently suffered some personal flood damage. Floods that affect our lives generally aren't of the 2012 or Noah's Ark variety. Nor are we likely to suffer a Katrina, Pakistan or Haitian flood variety. Mostly we're likely to suffer the kind of damage we've suffered. This type of loss results in damage to papers and personal effects. We can attest that even a personal loss can be devastating. The suggestions of the federal government would offer no help to survivors of a major catastrophe. But for our particular set of circumstances very appropriate.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SUGGESTIONS
1. Safeguard your possessions. (waterproof container)
2. Prepare your house.
3. Develop a family emergency plan. (protect your pets.) (FEMA)

We need more. You might also. We couldn't place all of our possessions in a waterproof container. A fire and the sprinkler system caused soot and water damage to our items. You can't prepare for every possible situation and maybe you shouldn't try. You should prepare for you life and family. Prepare for good health.

"General Assembly declares access to clean water and sanitation is a human right" - July 28, 2010 - UN

Just in time for World Water Week, Sept 5-10,2010 (not to be confused with World Water Day) so we're not that late unless of course you consider their 2003 announcement when:

"...the United Nations has declared that 2003 will be the International Year of Freshwater. We cannot live without water. That is why we have to make sure that everyone can get clean drinking water no matter where they live ....Although fresh water can be found all around the world most of it is either frozen in the polar ice caps, mixed in the soil or deep underground. In fact, less than 1 percent of the world's fresh water is available to be used. That is why we need to take care of it! " - Nane Annan

The nation was worried about the danger to the food supply (seafood) by the BP oil spill, tourism, as well as the damage to the eco-system. We were also concerned about the damage to health and welfare of the gulf residents as well as the nation's seafood. We discovered that while the government (USGS) has been tackling the issue of providing fresh water through desalination of salt water to the nation. No one had prepared for further chemical damage to the already fragile and dwindling nature resource.

"Women, gender equality and water resources in the context of climate change - Climate change has significant impacts on fresh water sources, affecting the availability of water used for domestic and productive tasks. The consequences of the increased frequency in floods and droughts are far reaching, particularly for vulnerable groups, including women who are responsible for water management at the household level." - UN WomenWatch  (Oct 9,2009)

That the could be a gender gap in survival seems only likely because PearlieMae was wheelchair bound and dependent upon the assistance of her family. While many of the canaries from Katrina to Pakistan were PearlieMaes and to feel for these individuals means to make sure, if we can (YES WE CAN), it never happens again. Never again.

"Changes in water availability and extreme events could undermine development, affect human security and livelihoods, significantly impact agriculture and industry, and act as a push factor in population movements and migration. Water scarcity can also trigger conflict. Adaptation to climate change needs to build on conventional hard and soft interventions and may also require a major shift in planning and designing water investments." - UN Chief Executive Board (Nov 22 2007) (PDF)

The problems aren't new and the solutions aren't easy. Most are out of our reach and beyond our control. Our discomfort should be the prelude to our education on the effects and our responses. If not for us then for all of those who will follow in memory of those whom have passed on.

Retail Chemistry

While we thought the egg recall was more of a story than first reported we were curious as to why the story wasn't being told. It was something that could frighten every single home with a refrigerator. It's not a time to panic when the news tries to scare you. Journalism has never been ahead of the curve. Stories don't tend to be exposes resulting from days or weeks of investigative reporting especially with cutbacks and layoffs expect more press released information. Bloggers will be the next generation of truth seekers especially those with news backgrounds. At least the leads will come from the fine print.

Chemicals that companies know aren't necessary but if they're not hiring their not making immediate changes in purchasing or investing in more expensive alternative unless forced by consumers whom they don't trust or government agencies whom consumers don't trust.

"Some paper manufacturers - including industry giant Appleton Papers Inc. - have phased out BPA in their products. And receipts from registers at Target, Starbucks and Bank of America ATMs, were BPA-free or contained only trace amounts, the study said."  (SF Gate)

It's not every business and every CEO but then we found this story in the Washington Post: CEOs Aren't hiring! We'd speculate that the employees they're retaining are the non-union compliant workers who wouldn't dare suggest that the company change their receipts for the health and/or benefit of their employees. As consumers we can ask if the companies are compliant for our own concern. If we're concerned about the employees who might also look out for us we will urge the companies to comply.

"The total amounts of BPA on receipts tested were 250 to 1,000 times greater than other, more widely discussed sources of BPA exposure, including canned foods, baby bottles and infant formula. These data should not be interpreted to suggest that policymakers shift their focus from BPA contamination of food, which is widespread, to receipts. BPA exposure from food sources is ubiquitous and should remain the first priority of U.S. policymakers. However, a significant portion of the public may also be exposed to BPA by handling receipts. Since many retailers do not use BPA-laden thermal paper, this particular route of exposure is easy to correct." (USA Today)

No you shouldn't be afraid but concern can't hurt. Much like the egg recall it's not something that'll be found in dangerous quantities to seriously impact your help but it can be cumulative in its effects. We just think its interesting that the news isn't what we'd like to know as news. Two stories that show danger but little serious risk to us in our homes. The risk is when we're out and about in our local and national businesses.

"BPA, a plastic hardener and synthetic estrogen linked by researchers to a long list of serious health problems, is used to coat thermal paper used by major retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, fast-food restaurants, post offices and automatic teller machines (ATMs). The chemical reacts with dye to form black print on receipts handled by millions of Americans every day." (Environmental Working Group)

If you want to be afraid it doesn't mean you shouldn't touch your receipts, we still do. It does mean if you work in retail then you should be extra careful changing the roll and loading your register. It can cost you more than your job. Just be careful out there.

"The little printouts from grocery and big box stores, fast food joints, and other consumer outlets actually contain high levels of the chemical bisphenol-A. In lab tests, the substance has been linked to several types of health problems in animals including abnormal reproductive system development, diminished intellectual capacity and behavioral abnormalities. When handled by humans, BPA can contaminate fingers, and seep into the skin even to a point where it can't be removed, this entering the bloodstream." (Time)

There's a twenty-two (22) minute video presentation of a mostly boring presentation. Unfortunately the information is frighteningly scary and convincing. Entitled "10 Americans" its hard to contradict the information contained inside. It's not our intent to scare you but we believe that you, like we, can handle the truth! Truth is what we're about as harsh and scary as it can be. It's made by the Environmental Working Group.

"If you believe in things you don't understand then you suffer. Superstition ain't the way!" - Stevie Wonder 

Check Your Fridge

If you bought eggs from SAFEWAY in the last few months, how do you feel? Maybe what you felt wasn't the flu or food poisoning. That diarrhea, or stomach cramps might mean you've got to discard your batch so check the plant numbers more than the sell by dates. Our area has not been identified as being part of the recall another reason to not worry.

"The Santa Clara County (California) individuals became ill after eating contaminated eggs at local restaurants and catered events. Common symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, cramps, nausea and vomiting beginning 12 to 72 hours after consumption." (Mercury News)

We're familiar with Lucerne and when we were in California we fell in love with Ralph's especially one of their checker who was incredible at bagging our groceries. In this age of do-it yourself check outs she was impressive in her professionalism and speed. If you shop SAFEWAY you might want to check your eggs and if they aren't in the batch eat on without fear. Better to be safe than sorry.

"Lucerne, Albertsons, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. They feature plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946." (Mercury News)

Though the story says one thing the news report images offer another story. The images say that the words are incorrect. So lets go with the images and ignore the printed word. The images say that the recall affects go beyond the dates of early August and extend into next month. It won't hurt to ignore the dates and go beyond to checking the specific plant numbers which would be more related to the actual recall.

"Don't eat raw eggs. There is always a chance that an egg could be contaminated with salmonella," Cody said. "It's usually when the egg is not cooked thoroughly. Raw eggs are used in different recipes from hollandaise to Caesar dressing or cake batter or cookie dough." (Mercury News)

If you have children, that's what kids are for, finding the remote, checking the fridge for bad eggs and taking out the trash. We says this because the kids are out of the house or we're sans kids. The danger isn't so much in your refrigerator as in your lunch counter and restaurant which isn't being emphasized in the news. So don't worry about you inside eggs as much as the eggs you eat when you let another person prepare your meal.

How do I know if I have Salmonella Enteritidis - "A person infected with the Salmonella Enteritidis bacterium usually has fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverage. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without antibiotic treatment. However, the diarrhea can be severe, and the person may be ill enough to require hospitalization." (CDC)

That's if you want to worry - but then there are the facts behind the recall that the fine print says that what's mostly affected, won't be in your home but in the local restaurant - where costs matter and discarding profit isn't likely to be enacted. What we would suggest (mainly because mostly of us think we can't afford to eat out is to not eat out). Of course that information is a source of internal conflict among the staff. The staff members here who prepare food are against our advice but those whom pay for our meals out highly support the suggestion! In any event the risk is all yours.

How can I tell if my eggs have been recalled? (CDC)

You'd think that the one of the retailers (SAFEWAY) would have a statement very prominent of their website but we saw nothing there. Not that we think its their fault. For all we know they've removed all items from their shelves. Mostly we think that except for using the INTERNET as a money making venture retailers have no idea of the power of the Internet.