In The Beginning

The Pure Food and Drug Act of June 30, 1906 was the United States Federal Law that provided federal inspection of meat products and forbade the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated food products.

The Jungle’s Unintended Consequences

“Pierces the thickest skull and most leathery heart.” Winston Churchill

"I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach.” Upton Sinclair

Food Safety By The Numbers

The CDC estimates that 48 million foodborne illness cases occur in the United States every year.  At least 128,000 Americans are hospitalized, and 3,000 die after eating contaminated food. 

Northwest Connection

1992 and 1993 • Over 600 people

sickened in six States

• Mostly children • 50 acute kidney

failure • 4 deaths

Impact On Public Policy

Jack in the Box today has the highest quality ground beef that I believe is available in North America. … But our products, I will not guarantee, are free of pathogens in the raw state.

Public Involvement

S.T.O.P.C.S.P.I.Make our Food Safe

The 1994 Revolution

Politics and Philosophy Matter

2006 – Magic Moment?

• Spinach – 205 sickened and 5 deaths

• Peanut Butter – 746 sickened and 3 years of product recalled

• House and Senateparty switch

Well, Not Quite So Fast

• 2007 E. coli-poisoned (hamburger) paralyzed dancer – Front Page of New York Times and a Pulitzer Prize

• 2009 E. coli-poisoned (cookie dough) mother of six – Front Page Washington Post

What About Industry?

• Tomato, errr, Pepper Outbreak

• PB 2 - $1 Billion in Recall and Economic Losses

2009 – The Magic Moment

Consumers and Industry Coming Together

Well, Not So Fast

Working To The End

“WE” Won!

Well, Not Quite Yet

"I would not identify it as something that will necessarily be zeroed out, but it is quite possible it will be scaled back if it is significant overreach," said Rep. Kingston, who is likely to become chairman of the subcommittee when Republicans assume control of the House in January.

"We still have a food supply that's 99.99 percent safe," Rep. Kingston said in an interview. "No one wants anybody to get sick, and we should always strive to make sure food is safe. But the case for a $1.4 billion expenditure isn't there."

What Are You Doing In 2011?

What Should Have Been Done Differently?

• More bi-partisan?• More money?

Why Engage In Public Life?

• Self Interest?• Make a Difference for the Better?

Questions? Contact Marler Clark

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm1301 Second AvenueSuite 2800Seattle, WA 98101-3808

206-346-1888

Marlerblog.com