This is why I am willing to spend a bit more to buy good quality meat:

Dead pigs in Shanghai river: more than 6,000 carcasses found. Why are there all these pig carcasses floating in the river? The Guardian reports that "[the] surge in the dumping of dead pigs followed police campaigns against the sale of pork products made from diseased pigs." But don't get anxious, residents of Huangpu, because "officials said the water supply remained safe." Drink up!

You know, when I first kept insisting on finding out where my clothes and food came from--sending e-mails, calling, checking all tags--some people thought it was a bit much. Q: How much bacon sold in the U.S. is reared and/or processed in China? If anyone can supply an answer with link, I'd appreciate it.

UPDATE: Over 12,000 dead pigs fished out in China. Click the to see a little recap of some of the more aggregious food scandals in China in the last few years. I didn't hear about this one:

In another recent incident, the American fast-food giant KFC faced controversy after revealing that some Chinese suppliers provided chicken with high levels of antibiotics, in what appeared to be an industry-wide practice.

I assume the information was controversial because the chicken was used here, in the U.S., right? Always ask where your food is from. Always.

Comments

[#5]

We get our veggies through a local CSA. Thinking about checking out the meat shares this year too. We're lucky to live in a place that values locally grown, organic food and makes it available via numerous outlets.

[gmb]

Sibling #5: I am going to the Union Sq. market tomorrow. Lots of farmers--more when the spring is finally here--veg, fruit, meat, cheese, yarn, etc. It's great. Except that it's now in every tourist guide and the place is packed with photo takers after 10:00 a.m. That said, I got the best potatoes at the market--la ratate, I believe they are called--a waxy French potato. Makes the best gratin. More importantly, I asked the farmer which potato I should use to make a gratin and he said "this one." I mean, you can ask what variety of veg you can/should use to make something and they actually know. Worth every cent. And my little nephew needs clean wholesome food. Kudos. GMB