On Friday, the FDA announced a salmonella outbreak linked to a J.M. Smucker Co. factory in Lexington, Kentucky. 48 of the 49 recalled products were variously sized and packaged products of Jif Peanut Butter, the other being 40-ounce jars of Jif-branded honey.
The outbreak has spread throughout 12 states and left 14 sick, two of whom have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. The states include Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
The system of Big Agriculture is reactive instead of preventive. Recalls occur when it's too late and problems are posed by insufficient regulation and weak sanctions.
Recalls are first-and-foremost a public health issue, but it is also important to understand the economic costs they have on companies. It's important that we seek solutions that improve both public health and economic conditions pertaining to food safety.