22 chapters across the catalog
A massive egg recall linked to salmonella has impacted numerous brands, including Whole Foods' 365 brand. The investigation reveals that a single supplier provides eggs for over 20 different brands, raising questions about the transparency of "organic" labeling. The incident highlights the vulnerability of the centralized food supply chain compared to local backyard egg production.
A report highlights that one in six Americans suffers from foodborne illness annually, resulting in 3,000 deaths. Recent E. coli outbreaks linked to contaminated lettuce were not publicized by the FDA, leading to concerns about transparency. The segment notes significant staffing cuts at the FDA under the Trump administration, which critics claim will compromise public health, while the administration argues it is merely removing administrative waste.
A host shares his routine of consuming a raw egg before every show, emphasizing the need for "safe" eggs from local farmers rather than commercial operations. The discussion touches on the risk of salmonella in industrial eggs and the natural protective coating on unwashed farm eggs. This practice is framed as a key part of maintaining energy and focus during long broadcasts.
Salmonella Regulations, Raw Poultry Standards
The USDA is implementing new rules to declare Salmonella an "adulterant" in certain raw poultry products, such as frozen breaded chicken. Producers will be required to reduce bacteria levels to very low thresholds, leading to concerns that the industry will resort to chemical treatments like bleach dipping to meet the new standards.
Peanut Butter Mind Control and FDA Registration
A CDC soundbite regarding peanut butter illnesses is analyzed for "mind control" properties. The hosts reiterate their concern that the FDA's failure to register food facilities is being ignored by the mainstream media despite past poisoning scandals.
The Editor-in-Chief of Liberty Nation, now referred to as "Lady Lisa," provides corrections regarding the site's political leanings and staff. The discussion also covers the Brexit-related controversy over "chlorinated chicken," a talking point in the UK media regarding potential trade deals with the US. The segment explores the differences between EU and US food safety standards, including the use of chlorine baths and gamma radiation.
The FDA and CDC have issued warnings against the use of Kratom, citing potential salmonella contamination and its properties as an opioid. While advocates use the herb to treat chronic pain and opioid withdrawal, the DEA is considering reclassifying it as a Schedule I drug. The hosts discuss the ongoing debate over the regulation of natural supplements.
San Francisco, Rat Infestation and Construction Booms
San Francisco is experiencing a significant surge in rat populations, particularly in the South of Market neighborhood near major construction projects like the new subway extension. Residents report seeing dozens of rats at night, and the Department of Public Health warns of the potential spread of salmonella. The infestation is attributed to the displacement of rodents caused by large-scale urban development.
ABC Nightline, Taco Bell Puff Piece, Salmonella Outbreak
The hosts analyze a lengthy segment on ABC's Nightline that praised Taco Bell's marketing and corporate culture. They suggest the piece was a "make-good" for advertisers following a report by Diane Sawyer on a salmonella outbreak linked to the restaurant chain.
Peanut Butter Salmonella Recall and Food Safety Modernization Act
A major salmonella recall involving Sunland Incorporated peanut butter has affected brands at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Target. Adam Curry points out the suspicious timing, noting that the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was supposed to prevent such outbreaks through mandatory facility registrations starting October 1, 2012. He highlights a red-bordered notice on the FDA website stating that these registrations are not being accepted, suggesting the outbreak is a "setup" for further regulation.
Diane Sawyer, Food Safety, Chicken Inspection Changes
ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer's reporting style is scrutinized during a segment on USDA changes to chicken inspection. The new policy reportedly removes many federal inspectors from plants, turning oversight over to the chicken companies themselves. The hosts predict a forthcoming "salmonella scare" or similar food safety crisis to drive media engagement and regulatory shifts.
E. Coli Outbreak, Egyptian Seeds and Sprouts
The ongoing E. coli outbreak in Europe is being traced back to seeds imported from Egypt. In the U.S., the FDA is warning consumers to avoid evergreen produce sprouts due to salmonella concerns, though the hosts note the confusion between different types of sprouts.
Listener Coincidences and Crowded House Connection
Listeners share stories of coincidences involving the number 111 and the term "biodiversity." A donation from Upstart Ventures in Australia mentions a connection to the band Crowded House. The hosts reflect on the "No Agenda" community becoming a primary news source for its audience due to perceived corruption in mainstream media.
The Senate passed the Food Safety Modernization Act (S.510), which grants the Department of Homeland Security and the FDA increased authority over food production. Critics argue the bill uses salmonella scares to justify crackdowns on organic and small-scale farmers. The involvement of DHS in food regulation is highlighted as a significant expansion of the agency's original mandate.
United Egg Producers, Factory Farming Standards
The website EggSafety.org, run by United Egg Producers, is criticized for portraying industrial egg facilities as small family farms. The hosts discuss the practice of "beak trimming" to prevent cannibalism in crowded cages and the difference in quality between industrial eggs and those from free-range chickens.
Salmonella Vaccination, British Egg Information Service, Cloaca
A clip from the Thom Hartman Show highlights the United Kingdom's success in eliminating salmonella through mandatory hen vaccinations. The hosts critique the lack of similar mandates in the United States, which regulators claim lack sufficient evidence. The segment introduces "cloaca" as the word of the day, referencing the biological anatomy of birds.
A massive recall of half a billion eggs from Wright County Egg in Galt, Iowa, is analyzed as a potential move to consolidate the industry and eliminate small farmers. The hosts play a CDC podcast about egg safety, mocking its scripted nature and the government's advice to avoid "dirty eggs" and use pasteurized products.
Global Salmonella Egg Recalls and Food Supply Concerns
A massive recall of 288 million eggs in the United States due to salmonella concerns is linked to similar outbreaks in the United Kingdom. The hosts observe that these parallel food safety issues are rarely reported as a singular global event. They express suspicion regarding the timing of these outbreaks and their impact on the availability of natural food products.
An AirTran Airways flight in Milwaukee was forced to taxi back to the gate to remove a two-inch pet turtle belonging to two young girls. The airline cited policies against reptiles due to salmonella concerns, resulting in the turtle being discarded.
FEMA distributed food kits in Kentucky and Arkansas that contained peanut butter linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak. The hosts name Stuart Parnell, president of Peanut Corp of America, as the individual responsible for knowingly shipping tainted products. They express outrage that Parnell has not faced criminal charges despite the deaths associated with the contamination.
