h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I agree with you, Pheroneous, our European neighbours break all other 'food hygene' rules, therefore it is safe to assume they are breaking the ones on BSE - particularly as the implications are so serious. Therefore there is no question of eating French/German beef products such as sauages/salamis etc.

My next question is, what about chicken? There have been mumblings in scientific circles that chickens fed on contaminated products have developed similar symtoms to BSE. However, few chickens live long enough to fully develop the disease. The government have accepted the fact that a large percentage of mass-produced poultry is infected with salmonella along with an equally high percetage of eggs and yet show little or no interest in irradicating it. It is fairly safe to assume they hold the same cavalier attitude towards 'BSE' in chickens.

Sorry, about the double posting - my PC is having a 'bad hair day'!!

Hairy PC's are difficult to control, I know.

Actually, slug, whilst I see your concern, I think the answer is the same as expressed in the posting. There is a lot of good food out there, that will do you no harm and much good. The difficulty is knowing what is good and what is questionable. I don't think country of origin is much of a guide, there are good and bad food producers everywhere.

I am very much afraid that your best guide is price. Usually good fresh food well prepared costs a lot more than industrially produced stuff. Our troubles come when we go for cheap food. Somehow we are educated to believe that cheap is good. It is not. You get what you pay for.

I am not saying all industrially produced food is bad... we all eat it every day with few ill effects on the whole, it is just more risky. You could even argue that it is safe, as it is often treated (by freezing, zapping with rays etc.) but I am personally prejudiced having once worked for Vesta Curries (remember them?) But the risks come in the handling/storing/display process.

So, if you want to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken (for example) do so, you won't die. Just notice how all the leg bones are broken, and wonder why!

At home I always buy organic meat, milk, eggs, vegies etc. wherever possible. My main concern comes from the fact that I have four sons away at school and whilst the schools know they are not allowed to eat beef and sausages, all the other digusting ingredients in the school food is probably equally bad. I have spoken to the schools about it and, although sympathetic, they cannot afford to feed eveyone on organic food, which is understandable.

My children were taken off beef in 1991 and the school just felt I was a neurotic mother until 1996, when all the parents suddenly took their children off beef. They now realise that I'm probably not quite as nutty as they thought. (However, my children are the only ones still off beef.)

P.S. Apparently fried rat was once found in the aforemention fast food outlet. Therefore, if you choose to eat chicken there, always ask for a wing - at least you will know it is a bird of some form!!

Very tasty I am sure, but a delight I have yet (knowingly) to sample.

I heard on the radio (The Food Programme??) a couple of days ago of a school in Croydon (I think) where the Head had taken over the catering, and given the cooks etc. free reign, but to produce more interesting food and much more fresh fruit and vegetables, and also started a breakfast service before school. To everyone's astonishment the kids went for it, and now actually eat fruit instead of crisps and so on. A small step, perhaps, but encouraging. It is just terrifying how low the budgets are for catering in schools, hospitals, prisons etc. and no wonder at all that they resort to industrialised product, i.e. the cheapest they can get.

Personally, I think you are being over-protective over Beef (your privilege of course), but there is no doubt we need a major campaign for better food everywhere, not just in institutions. Keep up the pressure.

I am sure that food is technically 'safe' when it leaves the factories, and that the individual additives, preservatives, colourings and processes are safe on their own. My own worry is the combination of these chemicals. I feel it has a lot to do with behavioural problems, with such things as asthma, headaches and so on.

You've got me started now....I better stop before it turns into a major rant!