Horsemeat smoke screen

Submitted by AWL on 19 February, 2013 - 1:11

The claim and counter claim as to who is to blame for the “horse meat scandal” is a smokescreen. The big retailers, the multi-nationals, the international agri-businesses all know they are to blame! They are trying desperately to focus attention on “not so bad” horse meat “incidents” because to divert away from the real issues.

The real problem is unregulated (or at least badly and mis-regulated) food additives and processing — things which are only needed because of an ever-increasing complex market place, one which is geared to the companies' need for short term profit.

We don’t need to “buy British”. It is perfectly reasonable to source food from one country or region of the world into another. It makes sense to produce Europe’s grain in the climate of the Russian Steppes; to produce milk on the green pastures of the west of England and Scotland; grow grapes and berries in the deep terroir of France and Spain; beef and lamb should come from the high land of north /central countries.

But shouldn't mean that these products cannot be shipped safely in the raw, bulk, safe, no additives state. The only reason for food additives is to add shelf life or to improve the workability of a foodstuff in the shipping and mixing processes. In other words so that companies can carve out a market for and hence a profit from a “watered down” product.

And who gets to decide these things?

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.