We are truly living in times of lunacy. After United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspector General reveals food safety breakdowns at Hog Plants using privatized inspection model, the USDA reveals that indeed its plans are to expand privatized inspections at all swine slaughter plants in future.
In 2012, USDA announced a proposal to privatize inspection in most poultry facilities even though serious food safety concerns remain with that proposal. The President’s proposed budget for FY 2014 assumes the implementation of privatized inspection program in poultry.
Privatizing inspections means that inspection duties are turned over to slaughter house company paid employees. Foxes guarding the hen house analogy is most appropriate here.
“All of these privatization schemes should be ended right now until there is a thorough discussion of the impact on food safety of these ill-conceived schemes,” said Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter.