Study Shows Political and Corporate Interference In Food Safety

A survey released by the "Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonpartisan advocate for unbiased science in government" showed that scientists and inspectors at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "face political and corporate interference with their work" according to the LA Times.

The study was conducted by the Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology at Iowa State University and involved more than 1,700 scientists and inspectors at USDA and FDA.

Reuters reports that the 44-question survey found that "one-in-four of those surveyed have seen corporate interests forcing their agency to withdraw or modify a policy or action designed to protect consumers during the past year.  Additionally, over 38 percent of those surveyed said that "public heath has been harmed by agency practices that defer to business interests."

While the survey highlighted these concerns, "67 percent of the respondents -- 72 percent at FDA and 65 percent at USDA said that their agency is 'moving in the right direction.'  It also found 75 percent said their agency gives public health a lot or much weight in policy decisions."

More than 60 percent of those who participated in the survey identified themselves as inspectors.

To read the LA Times story, click here.
To read the Reuters story, click here.

Posted: 09/15/2010