Food Whistleblowers and Gag Laws
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-05-04/food-whistleblowers-and-gag-laws
Groups like PETA and the Humane Society of the United States traditionally rely on undercover investigations to expose abuse of animals on farms. Now, laws pending in Iowa, Florida, and Minnesota could stop such groups from 'blowing the whistle.' We examine the food-and speech-issues surrounding the pending laws.
Guests
Paul Shapiro
Director, Farm Animal Protection Campaign, Humane Society of the United States
Mark Bittman
Food and Food Issues Columnist, New York Times
Kevin Vinchattle
CEO of Iowa Poultry Association & Iowa Egg Council
Comments
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How would a law passed in Ohio banning the practice of filming or photographing illicit behavior be enforceable beyond its state borders. In other words how could the Ohio Attorney General prosecute the NY Times or Washington Post or CNN for publishing and or airing pictures and video of these practices? Absent of a federal law or regulation I don't see how Ohio laws can regulate interstate commerce.
I live in Iowa and I still eat meat. The industry representative for the poultry industry is an embarrassment to the industry he represents.
Kudos to Paul Shapiro and the Humane Society of the U.S. The agriculture industry is afraid of society seeing the way they routinely treat animals. Otherwise they would place cameras on factory farms and inside of slaughterhouses. They know, however, that if they did, most people would not support their industry.
The industry spokesperson, Kevin, is talking out of both sides of his mouth. If he's so concerned about misrepresentation, he should stop trying to convince the public that his industry cares about anything more than making a dime. Investigation after investigation and routine industry practices demonstrate that is all that matters.
We should be pulling back the curtain; not making it a crime to do so.
When I heard about these laws going into affect, I could not believe what I was hearing, but then again I can believe it. As more and more people are waking up about what is happening around them and how animals and the environment are being treated, more people are becoming concerned and becoming active in changing the way things are currently done. And as more people become educated, the more things are starting to change...and in addressing the food industry, these factory farms do not want to see such changes. That is where these laws are stemming from...to make sure these horrible, inhumane practices are not seen by the public so they can keep making a slimy buck.
I am a vegan and do not consume animal products, however, I believe the public will always continue to consume animals products and that is their choice. It is also their choice and their RIGHT to know where their food comes from and how it is treated. They are the consumer and if they do not want such "tainted" products, then they have a right to demand better from the industry. Sadly, the industry is not responding to their consumers' requests in a responsible manner, rather they are moving in the opposite direction, which I believe will ultimately put their consumers on the defensive.
Why does ag business want to make photographs and videos a crime unless they have something to hide? This is one reason I choose not to consume their products...they provide no trust with their consumer...in today's world, it's hard to tell what you are REALLY consuming from these corporations. Paul Shaprio made great points about food safety, if those aren't reason enough to investigate the food industry, then I don't know what is. Thank you Kojo for this important show and for pressing the issue with the CEO of the Poultry Association.