Eating shouldn't be this hazardous to us

E-coli warnings were rare until after World War II, when a few companies found ways to control food and its delivery systems in post-war America, from seed to produce and meat.

Now it is common to hear a food is contaminated and threatening the public. Obviously, the tightly monopolized mega-agribusiness is collapsing or its ability to provide safe food is dangerously compromised.

Studies indicate eating grass beef is healthy, but eating beef fed genetically modified corn is not. Feeding modified corn and soybeans to animals increases their need for antibiotics and changes the flora of their stomachs, creating an environment ripe for passing e-coli and other diseases on to consumers.

Conversely, grazing animals do not appear susceptible to mad cow or the other diseases that affect animals eating modified grains. Yesterday's farmer knew this.

Where did we go wrong? It is apparent processed foods, primarily controlled by mega- agribusinesses such as Cargill Inc. and Monsanto, are not a healthy choice even though they take up most of the space on grocery shelves.

Real food is good for our children, the environment and us. It is obvious the government cannot protect us. The farm bill supports mega-agribusinesses to the detriment of smaller farmers. Only the individual can be responsible for feeding themselves and their families in healthy ways.

A good resource is at www.slowfoods.com. To find local farmers producing real food locally, go to www.foodroutes.com. Many farmers deliver into Chicago and its neighborhoods.

Good books with many resources are "The Real Food Revival," by Sherri Vinton and Ann Espuelas, and "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver.

Gail Talbot

Huntley