Recalls

Looks like Dole is facing a recall of some packaged salads it distributes in Canada due to fears of listeria contamination.  Listeria is a bacteria associated with the moist conditions found in most salad packing plants.  It is nearly unavoidable, even with the most stringent sanitation standards, and the recall probably is the result of testing on salads that have passed their best before date.  That means there is nothing left to recall and consumers will be left with the feeling the government is shutting the door after the horse has gotten out.  A better system would involve testing finished product before distribution.  But of course that would require much more government involvement in the food distribution network.  Not going to happen.  Instead we will get these recall scares until we have a killer German sprout type of disaster and the same people who hamstring efforts at food safety will be shouting the government must do more... as long as there is no cost.