Whistleblower was right about threat to our food

Letter

Published: Friday, July 11, 2008

The A section of Wednesday's newspaper carried an article about a Canadian Food Inspection Agency biologist who had been fired. The reason: After 20 years of reliable service, he had raised an alarm about potential problems if food inspection and labelling were turned over to industry.

How unbelievable that this government agency would consider it appropriate to allow manufacturers and suppliers to safeguard our food supply when we are bombarded with stories of unsafe foods. Self-regulation doesn't work.

Perhaps this man, Luc Pomerleau, should have taken the information not to his union but to the news media, which might have given it more serious attention.

As it is, food inspectors have been reduced in numbers over the years, and it is significant that this idea would germinate as a cost-cutting measure.

What about our health?

Ruth Sherwood

Retired dietitian

North Vancouver

~ The Vancouver Sun ~