FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR BEST FOOD NATION:

What is Best Food Nation?

Best Food Nation tells the real story of our safe, abundant, affordable food – and the millions of men and women who work in our food system – using accurate, fact based information. There are important issues related to our food system. We want consumers to have the facts so they can form their own opinions.

Who is behind this effort?

Best Food Nation is a group of associations from across the food system representing the millions of men and women who are dedicated to providing safe, abundant and affordable food.

Why have these organizations joined together for this effort?

Our food system provides innumerable benefits not only to Americans, but to consumers across the globe. We think it’s important that consumers recognize the contributions of our food system. Unfortunately, our critics want consumers to think otherwise and are promoting their agendas using information that is inaccurate, misleading and incomplete. We want to share the real story about
our food supply.

Why is the U.S. food supply among the safest in the world?

The food industry invests heavily in research and development of new production techniques, processes and technologies so it can continue to produce safe, abundant and affordable food for consumers.

Additionally, meat and poultry, seafood and juice production facilities are required to implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs to prevent food contamination. These programs are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How does the cost of food in the U.S. compare with other nations?

When it comes to the cost of food, Americans spend less than any other developed nation in the world. In fact, the percentage of disposable income spent on meat and poultry dropped from an average of 4.1 percent in 1970 to 2 percent in 2004.

How does the food industry decide what products to offer consumers?

Food companies listen to their customers and offer products that meet their specific demands. Because these demands vary widely, the food industry has responded by offering balanced food choices that satisfy many different lifestyles. Today, consumers have access to an incredible array of food and beverage choices in a variety of nutrition formulations. It’s important to remember that it is up to each individual to responsibly manage their food choices.

Is it true that incidences of food borne illnesses are declining?

Absolutely. Data just released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the annual incidence of several foodborne illnesses decreased significantly in 2005 when compared to the baseline years of 1996 – 1998. The Centers’ data indicates incidences of foodborne illness caused by E. coli declined by 29 percent, Listeria by 32 percent, and Salmonella by 9 percent.

Does our food contain antibiotics?

By law, meat products sold in the U.S. are not allowed to contain antibiotic residues. This is assured by rigorous standards and monitoring procedures conducted by USDA.

It’s also important to remember that U.S. livestock farmers have dramatically decreased the need for antibiotics by lowering disease threats through sound herd management and by using antibiotics only when needed. Programs such as the pork industry’s “Take Care: Use Antibiotics Responsibly” are used to raise awareness and guide producers on the responsible use of antibiotics.

Does farming and ranching affect the environment?

Farmers and ranchers across the country know that good management of natural resources on farms isn’t a choice, it’s their livelihood. They know that protecting the environment now protects their future and the future of their families for generations to come. Farmers and ranchers are the original recyclers. They grow crops, feed them to their animals, use the nutrients from manure to fertilize the land and repeat this sustainable cycle.

Do farmers and ranchers care about the well being of their animals?

Of course. Farmers and ranchers recognize their obligation to provide for the well-being of their animals. A healthy herd starts with proper nutrition, healthy living conditions and good
veterinary care.

What about when animals leave the farm? Do packers and processors follow any animal care guidelines?

Yes. The U.S. meat industry is actively engaged in voluntary animal welfare programs. More than 95 percent of meat plants conduct regular animal welfare audits and use third-party auditors at least annually. This program has become a standard requirement for all plants that seek to supply meat to major restaurant chains.

How have worker safety programs improved the safety of food industry employees?

A steady trend of safety improvements instituted by the meat industry has resulted in a safer workplace for employees. In 1990, the U.S. meat industry partnered with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop the first ever industry specific voluntary ergonomic guidelines, which have led to significant and very successful ergonomics progress. In fact, since the guidelines were established, “lost workday” illnesses and injuries, those requiring days away from work to recuperate, have declined by nearly 60 percent. Injuries requiring entry on plant OSHA logs have declined by nearly
70 percent.

Do food industry employees make good wages?

Yes. In 2004, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hourly workers in the meat industry earned, on average, $12.03 per hour, or roughly $25,200 per year, which is more than the average pay for preschool teachers and paramedics in Iowa and Kansas.

Restaurants are America’s largest private sector employer, providing jobs for 12 and a half million people, with two million additional jobs anticipated in the next decade. Restaurant managers earn higher than average wages – more than $44,000 annually.

What other benefits does the food industry provide to our communities?

The food system directly enriches the life of every community by providing safe, abundant,
affordable food choices in a multitude of restaurants and grocery stores and by providing
millions of jobs.

Companies across the food system also contribute tens of millions of dollars to their local communities each year and are involved in many programs dedicated to improving the lives of youth. For example, in 2005, Coca-Cola, in conjunction with the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, the School Nutrition Association, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, developed the “Live It!” program designed to help middle school students build healthy lifestyles. Again, this is only one of many programs sponsored by food companies.