Confidence in food safety is again harmed

The recent recall of eggs across the nation has once again undermined public confidence in the food supply.

While many people are aware of the salmonella dangers from uncooked or undercooked chicken, few probably were concerned about the same danger from eggs, which most of us routinely use.

Particularly surprising in the latest incident was that the salmonella contamination was not on the exterior of eggs, as might be expected, but rather within the inner egg itself, perhaps due to contaminated feed.

There are more than a thousand known cases of poisoning from contaminated eggs that have been reported, and probably many more have gone unreported.

Large egg producers have been shut down during the investigation and the reputation of other egg producers has been harmed. The industry could face significant financial harm as a result.

In addition, Americans may be fearful of using eggs in the same ways as in the past. Health experts point out that the safest approach is to always “hard cook” eggs - a method not the way enjoyed by many people - or to use pasteurized eggs.

Another result will likely be a call for expanded government food inspection and safety efforts, something that may increase costs for producers and consumers.

The irony, of course, is that the producers and their suppliers have the ability to safeguard food safety themselves and it is in their self-interest to do so to protect consumer confidence and health. Yet some of those involved in this incident have been cited for repeated violations of safety standards.

Perhaps some will decry more government intervention in the private marketplace, but uncaring private producers have only themselves to blame for what may happen. The unfortunate thing is that the innocent and conscientious producers will also be impacted.