Earlier this month, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials announced nearly 90,000 pounds of ground meat are being recalled from Central Valley Meat, a dairy cow slaughter plant in California. The recall was issued based on concerns that the meat, which was being distributed to student cafeterias via the National School Lunch Program, may contain small pieces of plastic.
Last year, we shared the news about Subway’s vegan test menu in eight DC-area locations that was so popular, stores ran out of the vegan patties within a few short weeks. Several of the restaurant managers told us the vegan menu was tremendously successful, and they’ve been eager to satisfy customer demand by putting heartier and healthier plant-based option back on the menu.
You’ve probably been hearing the buzz and soon you’ll get to see what the rave reviews are all about: the award-winning documentary The Ghosts in our Machine may soon hit US theaters in select markets.
From Britain’s horsemeat scandal to salmonella or E. Coli outbreaks to debates over GMO labeling, food safety concerns have taken center stage and garnered international headlines this summer. These issues have also shed light on the difference in food safety regulations from country to country. And which products seem to be the most controversial? Meat and dairy.
As a growing number of Americans, especially today’s younger generations, are ditching dairy, the food industry is responding by serving up more plant-based options. Case in point: TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) just announced its partnership with Silk to introduce “the first ever national dairy-free, almondmilk-based frozen yogurt option.”
Chances are good that if you’re reading this blog, you care about animals. In fact, polls show that most Americans do. Not only do we overwhelmingly favor laws to protect animals from harm, more than half of homes in the US have at least one companion animal and 50% of pet owners consider their furry friends as much a part of the family as any other person in the household.
Starting this week, 3,000 egg-laying hens will be given a second chance at life. It will be their first opportunity to feel grass under their feet, the sun on their backs, and the ability to walk around and fully stretch their wings out beyond the confines of a tiny and overcrowded wire battery cage.
For anyone who’s had the opportunity to meet cows, pigs, and birds in an up close and personal setting, like a sanctuary, it’s an incredible experience. Much like the cats and dogs in our homes, these animals are very social and playful, and they have individual personalities. It can be a life-changing experience. So can watching an undercover video filmed inside a factory farm or slaughterhouse. And while such information has compelled millions of Americans to change our dietary choices by leaving animals off our plates, would more people be willing to alter their behavior if they could experience what life is truly like for farmed animals?
Remember the UK’s “horsemeat scandal” that prompted public outrage, meat recalls, and overall led to our neighbors across the Atlantic eating less meat? Yes, the discovery of horse DNA in some “beef” products caused quite a fuss . People began questioning the lack of oversight in food production methods as well as food safety. But, the issue also drew attention to how deeply cultural “food” norms run through our society. The scandal drew a bitter reaction from some because of the idea of eating an animal who is seen in many cultures as a companion or pet.