Aug. 3, 2023 www.investigatemidwest.org Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Previously unavailable EPA incident databases now open to the public
When we reported Seresto flea-and-tick collars injured a large number of pets, we relied on an EPA database that had never been released publicly before. It took an FOIA request and several phone calls with the agency to obtain the database.
Now, anyone can access the data.
Last week, the EPA posted data showing adverse incidents from pesticide exposure online — for the first time. If you're concerned about a product, you can look up what problems other people have reported for pet products, lawn care chemicals or industrial agricultural pesticides.
— Johnathan Hettinger, reporter
EPA posts databases of pesticide harm to people, pets
and wildlife for first time in agency history
By Johnathan Hettinger, Investigate Midwest
The EPA is releasing only the 10 most recent years of data. The agency said in a press release that they only previously released this information via Freedom of Information Act requests and in registration reviews.
Graphic: Chinese meat imports remain world’s highest
By Ryan Murphy, Investigate Midwest
Since 2019, China has been the world’s largest importer of meat.
Compared to the United States, China’s per-capita meat consumption is low, but it is steadily increasing, according to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As demand increases in China, American producers may benefit.
See the graphic.
Opinion: Give cell-cultivated chicken a chance
By Dave Dickey, Columnist
In his latest column, Dave Dickey writes about one of the latest innovations in the meat industry — lab-grown meat. He writes:
"Expect a fairly extensive campaign to convince the public that cell-based meat is all that and a bag of chips."
"It won’t be easy. Big Meat is already caterwauling at any idea of calling it meat. And if and when Upside Foods or GoodMeat decides it wants to ship to grocery stores, they’ll need food product label approval from FSIS’ labeling and program delivery staff."
Read more.
SAVE THE DATE: Come to our Iowa event on Sept. 10
Join us at Walker Homestead near Iowa City for an evening of gourmet pizza and salad, live music, a silent auction, cash wine bar, and more to support Investigate Midwest.
