Photo via MillionsAgainstMonsantoOnce again, Big Ag has flexed its intimidating corporate muscle to stop food integrity efforts in their tracks. Biotech giant Monsanto has threatened to sue the State of Vermont if it passes legislation requiring labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods. Now, despite overwhelming public support and backing from a majority of Vermont's House Agriculture Committee, legislators have put a hold on future voting on the bill.

The day that whistleblowers are given awards by their superiors – instead of pink slips – would be a miraculous day for public safety. Meanwhile (and that's a long while at this rate), any support rewarding their brave honesty helps all whistleblowers know the risks are appreciated.

Good news on the affirmation front comes from our neighbor to the north, whose food safety whistleblowers have faced similar obstacles to those of workers in the United States. Last Thursday, the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression honored three public servants with its inaugural Integrity Award for speaking out despite industry pressures. The Lethbridge Herald reports:

Disappointing news came from Canada on Friday with the government's decision to remove meat inspectors from more than 100 plants in three provinces by 2014, as a means to cut costs. Industry monitoring itself is never a good idea, as we've pointed out before, and just like in the United States, Canada hasn't had a clean track record when it comes to food safety and transparency. Slacking on oversight is going to worsen an already recurring problem.

Consumers' “right to know” is constantly in question. The labeling of food products is often anything but clear – especially when it comes to imports. Some products will simply say “USA and/or imported” in reference to origination. A Kansas City Star investigative story reveals that one-fifth of our fish oil comes from China but fails to mention any origin information whatsoever on the label. From the article:

Last week, a former lawyer for both the agribusiness industry and the FDA, Michael Taylor, was named deputy commissioner for foods for the FDA. Taylor will be responsible for putting new laws into action aimed at preventing food-borne illness before it occurs, as the FDA has long been criticized for being solely a reactive agency when it comes to food safety.

Taylor's work experience has come under scrutiny. As an agribusiness lawyer, he represented companies that pioneered bovine growth hormone (rBGH). After that time, during a stint working at the FDA, he was partially responsible for a controversial policy that allowed milk from rBGH-treated cows to go unlabeled as such.