Is it just me? After constant reports of recalls on everything from ground beef and toys to pet food, it suddenly seems rather quiet. There are still recalls and tainted or otherwise dangerous products, but it seems like there should be some follow up to the issues that created such a stir.
Concerning the ground beef, at least one company went out of business. Still, there are many others out there that produce and sell this food, and the question is what has been done to prevent future problems?
Is the lead paint scare over? What kind of dog food is safe for my dogs? Is BPA as serious as assumed? Consumers are left with many questions.
While we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be dictated by fears, it’s still important to be careful. We need to research the products we buy carefully to protect ourselves and our families. Maybe manufacturers should add testing information to their labels, explaining just how stringently -or not- their products (and every ingredient/material used in them) has been tested.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen. It would not only require more work but more money, which would mean passing the cost along to consumers. Some industries already struggle to keep their prices competitive. However, some companies already do extensive testing, and those that do probably want you to know it. Their products will cost a little more, but having the assurance that someone, somewhere has tested the product (before you become a test subject) makes it worth paying a little extra as far as many people are concerned.
Are you a label reader? I am (for various reasons) but now I’ve also begun looking for those stamps of approval from reputable sources. That little stamp can mean the difference between superior and inferior goods, and it only takes a few seconds to scan packaging for that kind of information.