Read a little. Learn a lot. • Tightly-written news, views and stuff • Follow us on TwitterBe a Facebook FanTumble us!

31 Aug 2010 12:49

tags

U.S.: Piles of manure taller than people found at salmonella-infested farm

  • The decrepit conditions in these henhouses reflect the fact that companies know that FDA inspections are so rare … that there is no urgency to fix their buildings and their operations.
  • The Center for Science in the Public Interest • In response to an FDA report on the Iowa chicken farms at the source of the recent salmonella outbreak. FDA investigators found, amongst other things, eight-foot high piles of chicken manure, some of which was forcing doors open and allowing rodents to enter. An estimated 1,470 people have been sickened so far. source

27 Apr 2009 20:55

tags

U.S., World: Ever hear the phrase “manure lagoons”? It’s the root of swine flu.

  • Residents long complained about the smell. The root of the current swine flu outbreak has its roots in Veracruz state, Mexico, where a 4-year-old boy got sick from what was later found to be swine flu. The boy lived near a massive pig farm with a large pool of manure nearby. Sound like a lot of fun? It’s not. The important part to take from this: The farm is partly owned by a U.S.-based company, Smithfield Foods, who will almost assuredly face scrutiny for starting the outbreak. source