Bathtub Cheese: Free Enterprise vs. Public Safety
Which is more important — the individual’s rights to free enterprise or public safety?
Now read this:
http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=6794
At first read, it kind of makes one chuckle. Secondly, it makes the average American say, “That’s ridiculous that they can’t pursue rights to make a living by the work of their hands.” And I would normally agree, being the avid believer in private free enterprise and the a person’s individual rights with regard to domestic fair trade.
But on the other hand, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that doctors believe I delivered my youngest child three months prematurely due to listeriosis, which nearly cost us his life. For the record, listeria is often present in unpasteurized soft cheese, but it’s also present in cold cut meats. I know I love the stuff, but I would never eat soft cheese again while pregnant, no matter how great the Mexican restaurant is that prepares it.
So you be the judge and tell me. Should all street vendors, flea market vendors, and farmer’s market produce sellers be required to obtain a license and undergo 20 hours of food handling classes? Is it that difficult to obtain and adhere to government standards? And is the cost of getting certified being often too high or too time-consuming or confusing for the little guy? Do you ever buy your food from a street vendor or “off the truck”– lunch sandwiches on the job site, hot dogs out on a date, or ice cream while out with the kids.
Is it a way of pushing the little guy out or actual fears of contamination? In this case, I think food safety may have won out. But maybe a small mom-and-pop taqueria buying the stuff wouldn’t agree, as was probably the case in my unfortunate situation. But it’s not always 375 pounds of food being sold, and it’s sometimes door to door or off the back of a truck in small quantities. And it’s oftentimes the little truck that’s been passing through the neighborhood for years, or a little girl poking her head into a small business office or store saying, “Sandwiches today?” And the wares are often so delicious on a Friday afternoon, or right before going home for the night with nothing in the fridge.
For some communities, it’s more about vendors who are possibly illegal aliens and those who might carry disease from other countries. But, honestly, is it just a form of ethnic discrimination against those trying to earn an honest living? And sometimes it gets downright ugly.
And if food cops continue to crack down, I’m afraid that might also put that very busy tamale truck down the street out of business. They’ve been there for years and years. And, gosh, you should see THAT line on Thanksgiving day each year! I think that it’s longer than the one at the Honey Ham place. No joke.
“$8 for a dozen,” she says with a smile.
“Sold!”
It’s kind of part of our culture, isn’t it? I know that in Texas it is. And we know those vendors are often unlicensed at flea markets, but we still buy because we like the guy, he’s doing what he can to support himself, and what he sells tastes fantastic… a little piece of his world, ethnic flavors. It’s what makes life near a border more colorful, more diverse…and possibly dangerous.
What’s your opinion?
More info. on food vendor regulations:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+21USC342
http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/starting/street_vendors.shtml
http://www.portlandfoodanddrink.com/?p=932
Way up in Seattle, but this is more my experience with taco/tamale trucks — muy delicioso – http://www.lostacotrucks.com/seattle/
For some strange reason there seems to be this growing movement away from good food production and distribution technique and handling in our country. Maybe it has something to do with people’s impression our food is becoming too processed. Although the fact is that when we allow individuals or small businesses to start up a food production and distribution business, no matter what kind of food it is, cheese, sandwich stand etc., we have to realize the real fact there needs to be some basic education and oversight. There is a real place for government in inspecting and allowing food to be made, processed and sold. If you haven’t had any food science education or basic food training, you don’t realize what can happen. At the very least, common sense should tell you that do we really want to go back in time so to speak in the way we serve food? Or, do we want to have some basic protection and oversight. Trust me, even the most careful person who handles food for public consumption doesn’t always do the right thing, such as wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Now, do you really want to trust someone preparing your food in mass quantities who doesn’t follow basic sanitary standards?
In the 1950’s when I was a child I lived in Japan and the severe bout of dysentery that nearly killed me is a constant reminder to be cautious of food safety. In this, the 21st century and the supposedly most advanced nation to occupy the planet I am appalled by what some people do with regard to food safety.
Once I attended an outdoor event at a 4 star hotel and the ice for the drinks came from the same cooler that was used to cool hot dogs and other meat before cooking. Another time I watched a chef make a sandwich on the same cutting board he had just deveined fresh shrimp on-without wiping it over. The worst thing I saw was in a waffle restaurant-the cook rehydrated hash browns in the same sink he used for his mop. In each of these occasions my protestations were met with disdain and nothing was done.
I am sure that if we saw the true conditions in which our food is prepared the vast majority of us would be revolted.
No kidding, Joe! What vivid examples — makes me never want food out again. Ugh…the vast majority of us would eat only at home if we saw that! I know that I am meticulous when it comes to preparation areas staying separate for cutting produce, preparing meat, never mixing food and cleaning in the same sink. I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for the comment!