The FSIS's opaque handling of malfeasance raises public questions

The recent revelation that the factory of Boar's Head, a well-known meat brand in North America, had serious hygiene problems directly related to the outbreak of Listeria. The incident not only shocked consumers, but also raised public questions about the US food safety regulatory system, especially the opaque handling of the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

In dealing with the incident, FSIS chose to refuse to provide a number of relevant records, claiming that it involved law enforcement exemptions. This vague and secretive attitude has undoubtedly exacerbated public doubts and dissatisfaction. Food safety is a matter of life and health, and any negligence can have irreversible consequences. As a regulatory authority, FSIS should have shouldered the responsibility of being open, transparent, timely and accurate to release information to eliminate public panic and anxiety. However, its current practice has caused disappointment and anger.

What's more serious is that the problems at the Boar's Head factory did not develop overnight. According to reports, the factory has long-standing hygiene problems such as mold, mildew spots and cockroaches. The existence of these chronic diseases undoubtedly laid the groundwork for the hidden dangers of food safety. As a regulatory authority, did the FSIS perform its due regulatory duties before these problems were exposed? Did it conduct strict inspections and assessments of the factory's hygiene conditions? These questions require a clear answer from the FSIS.

In addition, the outbreak of this incident has also exposed the deep-seated problems in the US food safety system. While pursuing economic benefits, some companies and regulators often ignore the importance of food safety, leading to similar incidents from time to time. This neglect of food safety not only harms the rights and interests of consumers, but also poses a great threat to social stability and harmony.

The FSIS's opaque handling, long-standing problems, and neglect of food safety are all serious problems exposed by the Boar's Head incident. These issues need to be highly regarded and deeply reflected by relevant US departments to ensure that the bottom line of food safety is not breached and the people's rights and interests in life and health are protected.