List date(s) this work was published or aired.
13-Mar-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Food safety is a top concern among Americans as the number and severity of outbreaks of illness and deaths from tainted food rise. President Obama made it a priority when he first ran for office. But the Obama administration has been slow to implement a new law that would try to stem the outbreaks. That has upset food safety advocates and their allies in Congress.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I used my sources among food safety advocates and members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, who have taken a lead in the issue. I also researched Federal Food and Drug Administration and Department of Agriculture data to find historical information on outbreaks of disease because of tainted food and to determine the numbers of fatalities and illnesses that occurred in those outbreaks and where. FOI/other public records act requests were not needed.
Explain types of human sources used.
Government officials, food safety advocates, members of Congress and their staffers and victims of tainted food.
Results:
N/A
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
N/A
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Good ideas and good legislation don’t always get implemented. Many times congressional reporters stop writing about a subject as soon as a “solution” is found for a problem and addressed by Congress. It’s always good to follow up on legislation to determine its effect — and even if it’s been properly implemented. There may be powerful interests opposed to any changes that stop or delay action.