Americans Want Better Food Safety

Hart Research and Public Opinion Strategies recently published the results of a nationwide survey and poll regarding food safety that was conducted June 29-July 3, 2009. The highlights of the poll found:

- 91% of the people surveyed favor at least annual government inspections of food processing plants which handle food with higher risks of contamination
- 90% of the people surveyed would support the federal government adopting additional food safety measures
- 83% of the people surveyed said the federal government should be responsible for ensuring that food is safe to eat
- 64% of the people surveyed believe that imported foods are sometimes not safe to eat

Take more control of the food that you eat. Become more of a locavore. A locavore is defined as a person that attempts to eat only locally grown foods – typically foods grown within a 100 mile radius. Eating locally grown foods is beneficial in a many ways. A locavore:

- supports local farmers,
- supports local communities and economies
- reduces fuel emissions involved in the transport of food and
- provides a higher level of nutrients and antioxidants compared to store bought food

Use a food dehydrator to dry, preserve and store your locally bought food. Studies have shown that Americans waste over 30% of their food. Use a dehydrator to dehydrate fruits and vegetables before they spoil.