Food violators not welcome here
To the editor:
The recent recall of nearly 600 million eggs originating from a north Iowa producer caused consumers to question the integrity and honor of our farm families and the continued reliability of safe food.
I understand because I share these heartfelt concerns. Iowans do not tolerate incompetence and those that habitually violate the law, consumer trust and proper food production procedures. Those that do discredit the integrity of Iowa’s 98,000 farm families and tarnish our state’s brand as a respected leader in food and fiber production. Those responsible should be held accountable.
We also denounce those selfishly manipulating this crisis for personal and professional gain. They include out-of-state pro-vegan organizations masquerading as animal welfare proponents and community activist groups seeking to fundamentally alter food production by arguing for a one-size-fits-all approach to how farm families can grow crops and raise livestock.
The conditions found at Wright County Egg are an exception. Hongwei Xin, a specialist in poultry housing at Iowa State University, has visited more than 50 egg farms in Iowa (including ones operated by major producers) and has never seen the combination of conditions described in the FDA reports citing Wright County Egg. He also has never observed mice or wild birds in henhouses.
Food provided by responsible Iowa farmers to consumers here at home and around the globe is safe, nutritious and affordable.
Organizations such as the Iowa Soybean Association are working diligently with farmers, state and federal regulators, elected leaders and food safety experts to keep it so. That’s a commitment from Iowa farmers to you and your family.