Why our food is hazardous to our health

By Sandy Powers

The National Marine Fisheries Service lists China as supplying 70 percent of U.S. tilapia. China and Thailand are the largest suppliers of imported shrimp. After traveling more than two thousand miles throughout Mainland China and spending five days on the Yangtze River, I have been alarmed by the seafood imported from Asia.

Waterways China and Hong Kong are so polluted with industrial chemicals, agricultural effluents, and human waste that fish exporters have to resort to treatment with antibiotics just to keep the fish alive. I witnessed several bloated and decomposing bodies, both human and animal, floating down the Yangtze River. The mouth of the Yangtze River waterways from which much of the export of seafood is fishing. Fish and shellfish farms in Asia is not healthy for fish and wild-caught seafood. Thai and Chinese are notoriously dirty ponds and pumped full of antibiotics. The FDA discovered the presence of the powerful antibiotic, chloramphenicol in shrimp imported from Asia. Studies link the antibiotic chloramphenicol, a carcinogen, to anemia and leukemia, especially in children. In a recent article, CBS News correspondent Wyatt Andrews quotes food safety expert Caroline Smith DeWaal, "is a serious problem Chloramphenciol in the human food supply, "he said." It's like taking a medicine not prescribed.

Catfish imports from China are another serious concern for the presence of antibiotics. Flouoroquinolone antibiotics, the FDA has banned for use in food, are being presented in tests on imported Chinese catfish. "Apart from threats to health, imports have also been a threat to the economy of the Mississippi Delta, offering more than three-fourths of the catfish eaten in the United States, "said a report broadcast on National Public Radio. The influx of imports cheap from Asia is putting the American catfish farmers in the business.

Since only one percent of our imported seafood is monitored FDA, most contaminated seafood ends at our tables for dinner.

Our imported fruits and vegetables are not fairing better. According to an analysis Associated Press of FDA records, inspectors repeatedly rejected the borders of Mexico and chili peppers. Ten percent of chili peppers were rejected and infected with salmonella. Since the FDA inspects less than one percent of all foreign food entering the country, ten percent of one percent is alarming. The Mexican imports are disturbing sources of concern not only Salmonella and E. coli, but also from heavy pesticide use in the Mexican agricultural industry in the growing of crops. It is known as "the circle of poison". Mexico Agrifarms chemical companies sell pesticides that are banned in this country. There are no regulations in the United States for the export of banned or unregistered pesticides. Little, if any, oversight exists for the use of these pesticides in fruits and vegetables grown on Mexican farms. Over fifty percent of fruits and vegetables imported into the United States from Mexico, we have an intolerable problem of contaminated food.

Because the FDA is underfunded and ill-trained, is based on the consumer to force change.

First, Do not buy fresh or frozen seafood from Asia. Support local fisheries and fishermen. Farms in the United States often use clean water, no antibiotics or chemicals. If your local grocery store only carries Asian imports, fish and seafood at the request of the United States, or imports safer Canada, Australia and New Zealand, for example. World trade is not going away. Just be sure to purchase insurance on imports.

Second, limit any fruits and vegetables from Mexico to reduce pesticide ingestion. Buy locally, if possible. Shop your local farmers and agricultural markets. Buy fruits and vegetables. Plant your own garden.

You are the author of his own health. Protect your being healthy safe food. No permission from the source of a food to become a threat to their health.

Sandy Powers

www.organicforhealthsite.com

About the Author:

A breast cancer survivor with liver problems, Sandy Powers turned to organic foods to heal her liver and fight cancer recurrence. Sandy has written numerous health articles and is the author of “Organic for Health,” winner in the National 2008 Beach Book Festival and in on file wiwth Oprah. Visit Sandy and view her book video at www.organicforhealthsite.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why our Food is Dangerous to our Health

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