What Happens When “Precautionary” Becomes “Punitive”?
August 6th, 2009 by Michael McCainWe recalled some product this week due to trace amounts of Listeria. It was a completely precautionary action, directly as a result of the massive amount of testing we are doing. Our systems worked!
But Mother Nature has a bacteria called Listeria that is literally “everywhere”. Please consider these facts:
First, that for all practical purpose, 100% of all food establishments have Listeria. Second, even with excellent food safety advances, experts say that on average in North America one out of 200 meat and poultry products will contain low levels of Listeria. It’s even higher for other ready-to-eat foods. Third, because it is everywhere, the more you test, and the more aggressively you test, the more Listeria you will find, which is a good thing, not a bad thing - when we find it we can take action; proactive and precautionary action. Rest assured it is much easier to do the minimum, to not test aggressively and not find it. But, that doesn’t make the food safer.
Does the fact that Listeria is everywhere mean our food supply is not safe? Absolutely not. This has existed at very, very low levels for thousands of years and the vast majority of children and adults are immune. Vulnerable people, when exposed to high concentrations, get very sick which is what occurred in August of 2008 when 22 people died. But, when we take precautionary steps now, it isn’t the same at all. It is to avoid this very thing ever happening again. Painful; but truthful.
I will confess that when I read some of the blog entries on certain web sites, my heart sinks. I read messages like “shut them down…” and “can’t they get this right; I will never buy another Maple Leaf product again”. There are thousands of people in these plants who care very deeply about this and who are working tirelessly to do the right thing. They have taken the challenge of being a food safety leader to heart. We are getting it right!
But, as any parent would understand, if you demand perfection when perfection is just not possible, often the pendulum swings the other way. Quite frankly, if our team behaves in the most precautionary way and the outcome is as some bloggers suggest - “shut them down; don’t buy their product” - then the punitive message to all those who are not acting in such an open, transparent, precautionary way is equally clear.
I am asking you to support the thousands of people who are doing an amazing and passionate job, acting with the utmost of care, even if they can’t beat Mother Nature completely, and support proactive, precautionary actions by responsible companies.
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I still purchase Maple Leaf products for a couple of reasons…because they are so highlighted and have implemented safety procedures above and beyond regulations, also I felt Mr. McCain has been and is genuinely sincere in addressing the issues. What does concern me is other companies without this kind of exposure not taking the same precautions. I purchased a multi-pack of deli meat from a different company, months ago, it turned green and rotted over a week before the due date? Now it was stored and sealed properly, and I could’nt help but wonder what it actually was?
Hi Paula-
Based on the bit of information you provided it is possible that the vacuum seal was broken in the package that caused the product to spoil so quickly. I hope you contacted the manufacturer of the product and they addressed your concerns.
I blame shock journalism and a complete lack of education.
On one hand everyone wants to see stricter controls, tighter regulation etc.
Yet on the other hand if a company decides to be extra safe and make a recall just in case they are slated. I for one would rather see a company recall a product eve if its only a 1% chance that there is an issue rather than let it off.
However the response received by Maple Leaf will make that decision even harder. Any company now making the decision will also have to take into account the negative publicity and damage to their reputation that will occur if the issue a precautionary recall. Is that what people want? Maple Leaf should be congratulated for this not attached.
I have recently heard that there is advanced food packaging that could detect contaminents in meat. Is your company looking into this? I find you calling the victims “vulnerable” is extremely insensitive and shifting the blame to the victims. I am drastically reducing my meat consumption and thereby somewhat reducing my risk.
Hi and thanks for writing in. We have been early adopters of some new techonlogies such as Ultra high Pressure (UHP) are we are constantly looking at new innovations in food packaging. We use the tem vulnerable not to sound insensitive and fo any offence I apologize. There are certain groups that are at a greater risk of contracting a food borne illness and we feel it is important to educate and make consumers aware of who is at greater risk.
I had two packages of the most recent recalled BBQ hot dogs in the fridge (one-pack half eaten). The media frenzy understandably prompted some concern on my part. Doing some research I stumbled across this blog, and you have eased my nerves. This blog and Maple Leaf’s corporate transparency should be the gold standard for corporations across Canada. Keep up the great and safe work!
-Ron
I think the problems that happened last year were unfortunate. But Maple Leaf and Mr. McCain handled the situation thereafter with grace. It’s hard for anyone to admit their errors, but you did. And I juat wanted to let you know that I applaud you for that. Even with the most recent recall, you handle these situations well. The people who are quick to jump on the bandwagon and say “shut them down” are the ones who do not think but act rashly. To operate a large corporation and having things running smoothly at all times is near impossible but you do well. I wish you the best and all your hardworking employees as well.
I Hate that a very wealthy company like yours is producing food that is seriously hurting or killing people. I will stick with smaller companies who care about people and not the almighty dollar any day. By the way, my whole family got sick from your stupid shopsey hot dogs on or summer vacation. We did not hear about the recall until we returned home. THANKS ALOT!!!
Am I concerned about food safety? Of course. Do I beleive that MLF is doing everythng they can to prevent further serious issuse? I hope so and all the time. Do I also applaud Mr. McCain and all of the people at MLF who are working diligently on this big problem for EVERY food processor and grower? Most certainly.
all i can say to that is go ahead and buy his products, risk your and your families life.
, it will only slow down it’s growth. At least McCain is talking from his heart, very open, and he says that hi has put everything in place to minimize the possibility of it to grow. At least I know they are doing something in that direction. I have a question, how about the rest of industry, what are they doing, are they not having the same problem, of course they have, but they are not in the focus, they are not fad of a day. The media is interested only for the news of the moment. There are so many other manufacturers that have had problems, how about Walkerton water bacteria, how about the cheese manufacturers. Few companies that I have heard they have had clossed their plants for the process of “renovations” of course, they have closed them to do the same as Maple leaf is doing but McCain has guts to do it publicly, not behind the curtain. In muy opinion he is miore to be believed than any one else in this industry. They are the icon of Canadian meat manufacturing. I have a full trust in that company. I have never or will I ever stop eating and feedin my familly with the products of Maple Leaf Foods. Go Michael Go……………….