Getting tough on food recalls

There have been 92 cases of food poisoning in Ohio -- the greatest number of reported cases since the recall of products from a peanut processing plant in Georgia began. Unfortunately, there have been two deaths in Ohio -- the latest an elderly Medina woman.

The peanut product scare is of great concern to local food pantries, also. Staff members and volunteers are diligently checking labels and tossing any products that could be tainted. Their belief -- and we agree -- is to err on the side of caution. Unfortunately, that means even more donations are required to help fill the ever-growing need.

But it's disturbing to learn that most folks, while they realize that some peanut products have been recalled, may not know which ones are OK and which are not. We as consumers can -- and should -- do our homework. Check the Web sites of the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov and of the American Veterinary Association at avma.org for the complete listings. Those without Internet access can call (800) CDC-INFO 24 hours a day, every day. Check frequently, because new items are added every so often. There are more than 2,000 items on the recall list -- everything from cereal to candy to cookies and pet food. It's amazing how many things include peanut products.

The CDC says the salmonella outbreak peaked Nov. 28 and has declined since December. But with the death in Medina on Jan. 26, obviously, tainted products are still out there. Check the recall list and then check your cupboards. If in doubt, call the manufacturer's hot line number listed on most boxes and cans.

Helping to prevent such a disaster in the future will be legislation introduced by local U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-13. Right now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cannot mandate recalls of food items. Such recalls must be voluntarily initiated by the industry. Sutton's Protect Consumers Act would remedy that. It is unconscionable that any company would knowingly ship contaminated food. We haven't seen a copy of H.R. 841 but trust it contains safeguards to ensure recalls are made and stiff penalties if they are not....