
Of particular importance, the sequester included a furlough of meat inspectors for 11-12 days. This unpaid leave will definitely mean interruptions in meat distribution and delivery. Plants in the meat packing and poultry industry will also be closed down, for 1 or 2 days as a result. In addition, it has raised concerns over the standards of food safety, with fears raised that the standards will go down. Already it is expected that there will be 2100 fewer food inspections and with bodies such as the FDA operating on funds from the previous year, such concerns, it seems will not go away any time soon.
The government is being encouraged to explore more options, such as furloughing workers other than inspectors so that safety standards are not jeopardized. Considering the widespread numbers of food recalls, as well as outbreaks linked to bacterial and viral infections, it is indeed imperative that these options be looked into. On a more personal level, in terms of food safety, the impact of the sequester will require that one be more cautious while buying their food. Personal food safety standards will definitely have to be improved and eventually we may learn how to adapt to the current situation though it is hoped that Congress will do all it can, so that the changes we make will not be too drastic.
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